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I bought that book when it first came out. I have found over the years that merely buying the book (and not reading it) does not work well!
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The second stock bolt was approved for manufacture in April of 1917.Comment
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John I sent you a PM with the serial number.
Also can anyone that's into these older 03's (My first interest was in 03A3's but I know just enough about 03's to make bad decisions) give an opinion on if this rifle is a RIA/NRA rifle if it adds to the value. I offered a price based on a decent RIA 1913 (low serial number obviously) with correct barrel (serial number range) and RIA stock (I'm not good enough to say for sure all small parts are RIA but I took a friend that is. Without taking it apart he said from what he saw it looks like it either made it through life as is, or someone corrected it at some time). The stock cartouche on the left side is not clear and there was some surface rust that should clean up on the top of the receiver and bolt. We are still a good distance apart on price. He never mentioned it being an NRA gun so I doubt he knows that. I spent some time on google/bing and did not find an answer so thought I'd solicit opinions.Comment
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Thanks for your message! Reply sent.
You definitely have a sales rifle. As I pointed out in my message, not all sales rifles were sold to NRA members and not all were marked "N.R.A." But they're sales rifles nevertheless.
I do not believe that the "N.R.A." marking adds value. However, most sales rifles tend to be in well-above-average original condition, and that adds value! I sent you a description of the stock cartouche, and that may help you recognize it.
Hope this helps. I look forward to your reply!
J.B.Comment
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Alright, if I can't get it bought I will see if he lets me photograph it and post pics at least.
Thanks for the help, I appreciate it.
ShaneComment
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It took me a year and a half of staying in contact but I finally brought this 1903 home, which I believe to be a unmarked 1913 NRA sales rifle. I'll post pics for scrutiny below but first a general description.
First it was stored in a commercial 3/4s scabbard for years. The scabbard had a ring on it so I assume it was for a saddle but I'm not a horse person. The scabbard was poor and I didn't want it. It was lined with white fiber padding. Many were stuck to the stock. I used a cotton cloth and BLO and was able to get all the fibers off. In cleaning it up the blueing that was covered (rear sight forward) is in much better shape than the bluing that was exposed.
The seller bought it in mid 90s, but doesn't know any previous history. It came in scabbard and he stored it in it. I'm surprised there was no rust on the covered area, generally storing rifles like that does not go well.
In previous life it's been shot some as muzzle is 1.5. Bore is dark but lands and groves strong.
Cartouche was rubbed out. Has Large S on end of stock and Serif P so it's a 1904 to 1913 Rock Island. Only theory I would have is when the drama over how to tell a government 03 from a NRA 03 in 1915 maybe owner decided to destroy Goverment inspectors mark.The box is still there and the measurements are right for Conrad Nelson, just defaced....just a theory. The wood grain is very nice hopefully my IPAD camera will pick it up.
Barrel is Rock Island 7 of 13 with serial of 235820. This appears to jive with JBs database. Bolt has small R on bottom of bolt handle but I can't see anything else. I'll have to clean some crud off the safety lug to see the heat lot.
Comments welcome.Comment
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Congratulations! Thanks for taking the time to make and post pictures!
J.B.Comment
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