SRS check on Rock Island Arsenal S/N 236221?

[Crashyoung]

I recently bought this early Rock Island Arsenal 1903 S/N 236221, and I believe
the barrel and bolt dates of 1913 are correct for the S/N of the receiver.

The magazine floor plate is stamped with NRA. The stock is sporterized, but not
ornate, and the barrel has a ramp front sight and a dovetailed rear sight.
The bolt has no serial number, and a black finish.

Surprisingly, the receiver has no mods for peep or scope, and the left side does
not have a Hatcher's hole.

The bluing and arsenal stamping are very sharp, but the bolt color concerns me.
Shouldn't the bolt be blue or white?

Overall, I am wondering if I should get a military stock and restore the military
sights to this fine rifle, or leave it sporterized because of the NRA stamp?

[Rick the Librarian]

There is a pretty good chance that your rifle was sold as a NRA Sales rifle - a lot of RIAs in that serial range were. Your rifle was one of the last ones manufactured before production at Rock Island ended in 1913 (It was resumed in early 1917). Obviously the rifle was sold in military condition and some later owner sporterized it.

Your picture of the bolt is sort of dark - what are the markings on the safety lug? Can't make them out.

[Crashyoung]

Hi Rick,
The only marking on the safety lug is seen from the bolt face.
There is a C13 stamped on the small face of the lug.

[Rick the Librarian]

That is the steel lot code and shows that the bolt is correct for that period of RIA M1903. I would be almost positive it is a NRA Sales Rifle.

Here is what one (Springfield) looked like originally:

[Crashyoung]

That is what I would love to return this rifle to.
Now I just need to spend some money on the stock and sights.
I am wondering if I should get a replacement barrel tho, as the
front sight install might not be reversible.

I am glad the receiver was never drilled and tapped for a peep
or scope. But it is too bad about the barrel modifications.

Thanks for the pictures, that is what I was seeing in my mind as
to what this rifle should look like.

[John Beard]

Seasons' Greetings!

I recommend that you accept the rifle as is, or trade it for something more to your liking. The rifle has been sporterized way beyond the point of practical restoration. The receiver has been buffed, polished, and blued. The barrel has been boogered up beyond restoration. And, of course, it has no original stock or handguard. You will spend a lot of time and money and have little of value to show for it.

Sell your rifle, save your money, and go buy a nice original rifle that fits your collecting goals.

Hope this helps. Merry Christmas!

J.B.

[Crashyoung]

Thanks J.B. and a Merry Christmas to you and yours!

I am beginning to believe that the cost outweighs the outcome...
I would have to buy an assembled rifle to get all the parts required
to restore this rifle at a cost that would make sense.

I guess I have a nice addition to the safe tho!
BTW, is there a limit to how many safes I can have?
I don't dare ask the wife that question...

Too bad, but there are more projects out there,and
I have a few that I should finish before starting on another.

[Rick the Librarian]

I'm in total agreement with John - the rifle has passed the point of "no return" on returning to original condition. NRA Sales rifles are fairly common and while, not cheap, can be found.

My "rule of thumb" is if the rifle has been reblued, if the rear and front sights have been removed (especially the fixed rear sight base) that the rifle isn't worth the trouble.

[Crashyoung]

Well, that does sound like this rifle, reblued, sights removed,
and a sporterized stock put on...
Looking at sights, I would need the ladder, base and band,
the front sight would require replacing the barrel, and a complete
stock with metalwork to finish it off.

There will be other opportunities to get a military dress 1903.
But my granson enjoys hearing about how my firearms were
developed and modified, but he is confused how laws can be
made against a weapon based on what accessories are on or
off the assembly. But those are the teaching moments!
And he believes politicians that make and support such laws
should be voted out of office. Smart kid, eh?

[03Rifleman]

I sure could use your bolt to complete a restoration of my own RIA 1913 '03. Last thing I need to put the cinch on it! I can offer you a double heat treat bolt and or cash. And yes, it seems as though your Grandson has a good grasp on reality...yes sir!

[Emri]

BTW, is there a limit to how many safes I can have?

No, there is not !! Just make sure you have the room for them. I filled one, got another and filled it too. Had to put a bungie strap across the opening so they didn't fall out when the door was opened. I still have rifles piled in the corners and no room for another safe !!

[Crashyoung]

No, there is not !! Just make sure you have the room for them. I filled one, got another and filled it too. Had to put a bungie strap across the opening so they didn't fall out when the door was opened. I still have rifles piled in the corners and no room for another safe !!

I have a neighbor that built a vault to store his
firearms. I was thinking of something similar.
An all concrete room, even the floor and ceiling
are concrete!

[ClaudeH]

I saw a safe room spec'ed into new construction which extended beyond the above ground lines of the house. Not Only was the vault door to the room hidden behind bookshelves, but a careful examination of the of the basement dimensions left no hint of a hidden room!