Rock Island Arsenal 1903 RIA .30-06 Bolt Action Rifle 1918 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1025
LSB#: 210915DS13
Make: Rock Island Arsenal (RIA)
Model: 1903
Serial Number: 294404
Year of Manufacture: 1918 (page 373 of Joe Poyer’s book, The Model 1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition) Barrel Date: 7 – 44
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. / 294404”. The top of the High Standard replacement barrel is marked “H S / flaming bomb / 7 44”. The magazine cutoff is marked “ON OFF” and the safety is marked “SAFE READY”. The bottom of the bolt handle is marked “B”, “1”, and “R” for Remington. The front sight cover is marked “R” and “flaming bomb / U.S.”. The barrel band is marked “U”. The left side of the trigger is marked with a post WWII Arsenal Rebuild stamp from the Raritan Arsenal “RA-P”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade atop a barrel mounted base and under a removable protective cover. 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 pistol grip, metal nosecap with bayonet lug, stacking loop, barrel band, 2 sling loops, 2 through bolts, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. A metal oiler is stored in the butt. The buttplate shows scratches and light oxidation. The wood shows small scrapes, scratches, and compression marks that have been oiled over. Some have damaged small portions of the surface wood. The LOP measures 12 ¾ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to Rebuild
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The grooves near the muzzle are semi bright. The rifling is deep. There is fouling and intermittent light erosion in the grooves near the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.0.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The metal shows several scuffs as well as scrapes and small scratches. The bottom metal shows discoloration. The right side of the receiver & bolt shows light thinning from cycling. The screw heads show use. The markings on the metal are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus 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: The rifle comes with a leather sling, front sight cover, and a metal oiler. The sling shows scrapes, discoloration, and cracking on the leather as well as scrapes on the metal. Overall it is in about Good condition. The front sight cover shows light scrapes and is in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition. One side of the metal oiler contains a pull through thong and the other side contains the dripper. It shows scrapes, oil residue and oxidation. Overall it is in about Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: This Rock Island Arsenal Model 1903 was made back in 1918. After WWII it was Rebuilt at the Raritan Arsenal where the WWII dated High Standard replacement barrel was installed. The rifle looks good and has a strong bore. The rifle is over 100 years old but has deep markings on the receiver. It will be a nice addition to your Military collection.