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

SOLD FOR: $1575

LSB#: 210721TS34

Make: Rock Island Arsenal (RIA)

Model: 1903

Serial Number: 345902

Year of Manufacture: 1919 (Page 373 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition) Barrel Date: November 1918

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. / 345902”. The top of the Springfield barrel is marked “S A / flaming bomb / 11-18 / A”. The magazine cutoff is marked “ON OFF” and the safety is marked “SAFE READY”. The barrel band is marked “U” on the right. The underside of the bolt handle is marked “R” and with a punch dot. The top of the rear sight slider, right side of the ladder, and right side of the base are all marked “R”. The bayonet lug is marked “H”. The trench block is marked “5”. The back of the base of the bolt handle is marked with inspection marks. The handguard is stamped with a number that does not match the serial number. The bottom of the wrist is marked with a circle “P” cartouche. The left side of the wrist is marked with a faded “D.A.L.” cartouche and a “SA / SPG” Springfield Armory rebuild cartouche.

Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade atop a small base. 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 a hinged door for storage in the butt. There is a crack through the wrist visible on both sides, it starts at about the rear of the trigger guard. There are some compressions and some draglines. There are some little dings, scratches, and scrapes. Some of the deepest marks are on the left side of the buttstock. The LOP measures 12 3/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some oxidation, erosion, and some finish loss. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal Rebuild

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the four groove rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.0.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. The metal has mostly turned to a mottled patina. There are some scattered scuffs, nicks, and scratches. The most noticeable scratches are on the floorplate. There are some areas of discoloration from previous oxidation. There are some areas of oxidation, most noticeable on the barrel and nosecap. There area few little spots of pinprick erosion. There is some mottled thinning. 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 and is over 100 years old. It has a 1920 dated Springfield replacement barrel and has a good bore. 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. Bolt Action Rifle 1918 C&R
Rock Island Arsenal RIA Model 1903 .30-06 Sprg. Bolt Action Rifle 1918 C&R