Rock Island Arsenal Model 1903 Bolt Action .30-06 Rifle MFD 1918 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,225.00
LSB#: LSB250129XX001
Make: Rock Island Arsenal
Model: 1903
Serial Number: 411682
Year of Manufacture: 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 / 411682”. The top of the barrel is marked “RIA / flaming bomb / 7-18”. The underside of the barrel is marked “C108 / P”. The safety is marked “SAFE READY” and the magazine cutoff is marked “ON OFF”. The underside of the bolt and bolt handle is marked “R”. The barrel band is marked “U”. The nose of the stock is marked “S”. The bolt handling has some faint stenciling.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade atop a barrel-mounted base in a protective globe hood. 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, metal nose cap with bayonet lug, barrel band, stacking loop, two sling loops, two through bolts, and a metal buttplate with a hinged door for storage. The buttstock storage compartment holds a tubular cleaning kit. The wood shows scattered scrapes, scratches, and compression marks with some moderate impact marks. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore but there is stubborn fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. There are patches of wear on the receiver and leading edges, such as the front sight, where the finish is thinned or lost. There is a mottled pattern of light surface oxidation scattered throughout. The screw heads show use. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about 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: When the U.S. Army sought a new rifle to replace the 1898 Krag, they looked directly at the Spanish Model 1893 Mauser, which had demonstrated superior performance during the Spanish-American War. The Model 1903 is essentially a redesigned Mauser clone, and the U.S. was eventually required to pay patent royalties to Mauser—payments that ceased at the onset of WWI. The 1903 proved to be a strong and reliable action, serving the U.S. military for over three decades and through two world wars.
This Rock Island Arsenal Model 1903 was manufactured in 1918, during the height of World War I. Though its specific service history is unknown, it was likely put to good use in WWI and potentially WWII as well. The rifle retains strong RIA markings on the barrel and receiver, adding to its collectibility.
This is a great example of a classic military rifle that would be a fine addition to any U.S. military firearms collection. Please see our high-quality photos and good luck on your bid! -M.C.
