RIA 1903 Question

[Jkibler2]

Hello, I have an RIA 1903 rifle serial number 6999. Brophy's book doesn't spend a lot of time on the RIA produced rifles. I was wondering the exact year that the receiver was produced? This rifle was re-barreled with an RIA 5-17 barrel. 2 bolt stock. Only marking is RI on tip of stock. Still has a straight handle bolt with high hump HG. Any info would be appreciated.

[Emri]

About 1905.

[Fred]

I'm not sure, but Rock Island production began late and so that receiver would've been numbered in late November or in December 1904.

[Jkibler2]

Thank You, I've had this rifle for a long time. Figured it is just a WW1 re-build.

[Fred]

Got any photo's of it?

[Emri]

I'm not sure, but Rock Island production began late and so that receiver would've been numbered in late November or December 1904.

Fred,

You don't think I actually remembered that right off the top of my head do you ?

It just so happened I had John's book nearby and handy and I looked it up. John states that serial numbers can't be nailed down as to "when" the receiver was numbered, but the spread of when the receivers were "finished" is # 1077, 1/1/1905 to # 34876, 1/1/1906.

HTH,

Emri

[Fred]

Yea, I had to pick up Nick Ferris' book to find out anything. I sure don't retain much information anymore. Too darned old and tired now.

[RCS]

two more photos of early Rock Island rifles

These early four digits came from the CMP nice receiver color on both too

[Fred]

Man, I really like the style of numbers and letters on those early receivers!