Rock Island Arsenal Springfield M1903 .30-06 SPRG Bolt Action Rifle, 1919
SOLD FOR: $1,090.00
LSB#: LSB260219HJ015
Make: Rock Island Arsenal
Model: 1903
Serial Number: 341263
Year of Manufacture: 1919 / C&R
Barrel Date: 4 – 44
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “U.S. ROCKISLAND ARSENAL MODEL 1903 / 341263” The follower disconnect is marked, “ON / OFF” The barrel is marked, “H.S. 4 44” with a flaming bomb proof. The safety is marked “READY / SAFE”. The left side of the stock is marked, “RA-P / AAT / P” (Raritan Arsenal Rebuild / Augusta Arsenal) The rear of the heel is marked, “118”. There are various small proofs throughout. The bayonet is marked, “U.S. / R.I.A. 1906”.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a dovetailed mount fixed to a barrel mounted base. The rear sight is a Model 1935 2-position u-notch ladder marked out to 27.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This rifle has a two piece walnut scant-grip stock with a capped forend/bayonet lug w/ stacking ring, barrel band w/ sling loop, two through bolts, scant grip semi-pistol grip, straight comb, sling loop, and steel buttplate with trapdoor. There are scratches and pressure dents throughout along with several small chips. There are cracks at the wrist and rear of the comb. The LOP measures 13.1” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall the stock rates at about Fair to Good condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal Refurbishment
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion in the bore along with some stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 7/10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are moderate handling marks, refinished over wear and light pitting marks on the barrel band and forend retainers. There is light to moderate patina and faint rust spots. The action has moderate wear. The screw heads are moderately tooled. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this rifle rates at a Good + condition. The bayonet is in Good condition with moderate wear and patina.
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: Leather sling, M1905 Bayonet.
Our Assessment: The U.S. Model 1903 rifle produced at Rock Island Arsenal represents a key phase in American military rifle development, combining the proven Mauser-derived bolt action with refinements tailored to U.S. service needs. Originally manufactured in 1919, this rifle reflects post-World War I production, though it has undergone later arsenal refurbishment as evidenced by its 1944 High Standard barrel and Raritan Arsenal markings. Chambered in .30-06 Springfield, a cartridge introduced in 1906 and widely regarded for its versatility and effectiveness, the M1903 served as a primary U.S. service rifle through both World Wars. The presence of the Model 1935 rear sight and updated barrel highlights the rifle’s continued service life and modernization during the Second World War era. This example presents in good plus overall condition, retaining approximately 90 percent of its arsenal-refurbished parkerized finish with moderate handling marks, light pitting, and scattered patina visible throughout. The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling, showing light erosion and some fouling, consistent with service use. The scant-grip walnut stock shows fair to good condition, with scratches, dents, and small chips along with cracks at the wrist and rear of the comb, while remaining intact. The rifle retains its military configuration, including the blade front sight and ladder rear sight, and includes a Rock Island Arsenal marked Model 1906 bayonet, adding to its historical presentation.
This Rock Island Arsenal M1903 reflects a layered history of initial production, wartime refurbishment, and extended service use. Its combination of early manufacture and later arsenal updates illustrates the adaptability of the platform and the U.S. military’s approach to maintaining service rifles across decades. With its included bayonet and sling, it stands as a representative example of a rifle that served through multiple periods of American military history. -R.E.