Rock Island Arsenal 1903 RIA .30-06 Bolt Action Rifle Bayonet C&R
SOLD FOR: $1581
LSB#: 211027GL24
Make: Rock Island Arsenal (RIA)
Model: 1903
Serial Number: 270064
Year of Manufacture: 1917 (page 373 of Joe Poyer’s book, The Model 1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition) Barrel Date: 7 – 18
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. / 270064”. The top of the Rock Island barrel is marked “RIA / flaming bomb / 7-18”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “C109”, “T”, and “P”. The magazine cutoff is marked “ON OFF” and the safety is marked “SAFE READY”. The bottom of the bolt handle is marked “7”. The barrel band is marked “U”. The bayonet lug is marked “H”. The bottom of the grip is marked “F” and with 3 “circled P” proofs; 2 are faded. The left side of the stock, above the trigger, is double stamped with an Arsenal Rebuild stamp from the San Antonio Arsenal “SAA-F in a rectangle” (page 390). The belly of the stock is marked “3 7 0”.
The base of the Model 1905 Bayonet blade is marked “US” on one side and “R.I.A. / flaming bomb / 1906.” on the other side.
Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade atop a barrel mounted 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 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. The refinsihed buttplate has scratches and surface eroison showing through the new finish. The top of the grip shows a hairline surface crack. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Some have damaged small portions of the surface wood. These marks have been oiled over. 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 overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal Rebuild
Bore Condition: The lands are bright, the grooves are semi bright, and the area near the muzzle is light grey. The rifling is deep. There is fouling and intermittent erosion near the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.9.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 93% of its metal finish. The metal shows light scrapes & small scratches, as well as discoloration from oil residue and oxidation. The screw heads show heavy 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 Model 1905 Bayonet & belt Scabbard. The bayonet metal shows scrapes, discoloration from oxidation and a patch of surface erosion on the blades base. The grip wood shows scratches and surface loss. It is in about Very Good condition. The scabbard metal shows scrapes & discoloration from oxidation. The leather shows scrapes & discoloration. It is in about Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: This Rock Island Arsenal Model 1903 was made back in 1917. At some point it was Arsenal Rebuilt at the San Antonio Arsenal. The rifle is over 100 years old but looks pretty good for its age. The rifle comes with a Model 1905 Bayonet & belt Scabbard. The rifle has deep markings on the metal and can do a ton of work at the range. This is a nice Rock Island 1903 to add to your collection.