Early 1903 Find

[rayg]

Not only is it an early 03, but it's in super condition, Ray

[ElWoodman]

Very nice find! Is it me or is the lower band/sling swivel installed backwards? Looks original...Markings on bottom of bolt safety lug should confirm if it matches...Straight handle SA, likely period. Nice!

[Fred]

Very nice find! Is it me or is the lower band/sling swivel installed backwards? Looks original...Markings on bottom of bolt safety lug should confirm if it matches...Straight handle SA, likely period. Nice!

Yes! You are correct. The rear barrel band is on backwards!

[MikeS]

Tristan,

Did you look on the back of the handguard for an S on the rounded portion top dead center just to the left of the windage knob cut out? My rifle is about 7,000 lower in serial number than yours with a 4/10 barrel. It has the handguard clips though but other than that the handguard looks identical but has the S.

Mike

[tristan]

So far I have not been able to back out the upper barrel band screw or the stacking swivel screw as both are pretty boogered. I'm trying some chemical persuasion and if I can get them out I will check for the handguard marking and will reverse the backwards barrel band.