Rock Island Arsenal RIA Model 1903 .30-06 Sprg WWI WWII Rifle 1918 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1356.25

LSB#: 210324DL77

Make: Rock Island Arsenal (RIA)

Model: 1903

Serial Number: 303575

Year of Manufacture: 1918 (page 373 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition) Barrel Date January 1942

Caliber: .30-06 Springfield

Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine

Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. / ROCK ISLAND / ARSENAL / MODEL 1903. / 303575”. The top of the Springfield barrel is marked “S A / flaming bomb / 1-42”. The nose of the forend is stamped “S.S.”. The magazine cutoff is marked “ON OFF” and the safety is marked “SAFE READY”. The barrel band is marked “U” on the right. The bottom metal is stamped with a faded “B”. The top of the bolt handle is marked “R” and “443”. The extractor is marked “C”. The underside of the bolt handle is marked with a punch mark. The left side and bottom of the wrist have faded markings. The right side of the front sight base is marked “2”. The right side of the buttstock is marked “3575”.

Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade set atop a small base, a piece of white plastic has been glued to it. The rear sight is a “U” notched blade attached to a fully adjustable sight ladder marked from “3-27”. When flipped up separate notches and an aperture on the ladder can be used for sighting.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two-piece hardwood stock has a straight grip, nosecap, stacking loop, barrel band, 2 sling loops, 2 through bolts and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage in the butt. The wood shows scattered compressions and some draglines. There are some little dings into the wood, the most noticeable are on the belly of the buttstock. There is some material loss at the toe. The LOP measures 12 3/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some dings and erosion under the finish and has a patina. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal Rebuild

Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the four groove rifling is well defined. There is erosion throughout the bore. The bore shows an M.E. of 2.5.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. The metal shows thinning and some light patina. There are some scuffs and scratches, most noticeable on the barrel, front sight base, and noescap. There are also some scratches on the trigger guard. There are some spots of frost under the finish, most noticeable on the receiver. There is finish loss on the edges. Some of the most noticeable thinning is on the bolt handle. There are some oil stains. The screw heads show light use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The M1903 Springfield rifle is a clip-loaded 5 round magazine-fed bolt-action service rifle. It was adopted as the standard United States military bolt-action rifle in 1903 and served our country through two world wars even after it was “replaced” by the M1 Garand in 1937. It continued to serve as a sniper rifle through the Korean war and into the early days of the Vietnam war. It remains popular as a civilian firearm, historical collector’s piece and also sees use as a military drill rifle.This Rock Island Arsenal Model 1903 was made back in 1918 so the receiver is over 100 years old. It has a WWII dated Springfield replacement barrel and looks good in the wood stock. This Model 1903 is built on desirable Rock Island Arsenal receiver and looks like it can still do lots of work on the range. It will add to your WWII or Military Collection. Please see our photos and good luck!

Rock Island Arsenal RIA Model 1903 .30-06 Sprg WWI WWII Rifle 1918 C&R
Rock Island Arsenal RIA Model 1903 .30-06 Sprg WWI WWII Rifle 1918 C&R