Today's photo's of the finaly completed rifle.

[Fred]

I obtained another 1903 dated Rod Bayonet 03 sling made by Rock Island Arsenal the other day and after cleaning it and rubbing in Pecard Antique Leather Dressing, I mounted it on the rifle. I couldn't pass it up because it was priced at about half of what it should've gone for. This one is still colored brown.



Our two Collie pups are about half grown now...

[John Beard]

I have an original 20-round cardboard box of Frankford Arsenal Model 1903 cartridges in 5-round clips dated March, 1904.

J.B.

[Fred]

Man, I'd love to have it or the Case of ammo that it came from! Not to shoot, just to have.
Way to go John! That's at least a $600.00 to $1,000.00 item and probably more because they ain't making them anymore.

[Rick the Librarian]

The sling looks a lot nicer than the repro you had mounted, although it looks like Turner did they usual nice job.

[John Beard]

Man, I'd love to have it or the Case of ammo that it came from! Not to shoot, just to have.
Way to go John! That's at least a $600.00 to $1,000.00 item and probably more because they ain't making them anymore.

The box pictured in Brophy's book is the only other one I've ever seen or heard of. I consider myself very fortunate to have it.

What I'm missing, and would like to have, is a corresponding box of Frankford Arsenal Model 1906 cartridges.

J.B.

[Fred]

I'll keep my eyes open for such a box of cartridges John.

[jerrbear]

Fred you are pretty lucky finding components for your prized 03. In regards to your RI sling, is there a date on it. I picked up a sling yesterday and I believe it to be the same as yours. Mine however has 1 newer section added to it as is thicker. From what I can read 1 section is stamped Rock Island Arsenal 1903. It has the slits in it for the button. For a whopping $2.00 I couldn't pass that up!

[Fred]

Yes, 1903 is stamped into it.

[jerrbear]

Wish I had the rest of it. Second section is a from a standard 1907 sling. It is old and in very nice shape along with keepers. Problem is if I had the complete one as yours I would have to find the gun and you know how easy that is. Very nice piece. You should be proud! We are all filled with envy!!!!!

[Fred]

Oh heck, if I didn't have you guys to share it with, I wouldn't have anyone to show it to out here on the edge of nowhere in the middle of nothin. Except for if I stop the postman or a slick salesman calls or comes by, I don't even get to speak with another human being except my wife for days at a time and she couldn't be less interested in any of the 1903's, except for how much money we have in them and when we plan on cashing in on them. I'm glad that you guys find the rifle of interest.
I wish I was a filthy rich gazillionaire so I could just buy y'all (I'm from Missouri) one just like it.

I'd like to see a picture of your sling!

[jerrbear]

Here are some pics of my sling. Not as nice as yours. Appears they punched some extra holes right in the stamping. But for 2 bucks I can live with it. Hope these go thru. (New Computer)

[Fred]

That's an interesting sling. Yes, it's a 1907 made from an earlier sling.