SOLD - Rock Island Arsenal Model 1903 (236390 - 21723)

Description

8/25/22 - This is a nice example of a Rock Island Arsenal Model 1903 rifle from 1913-1917. Rock Island Arsenal produced model 1903 rifles from 1903 through 1919, but took a break from 1914-1916 due to sufficient supply of M1903s and Springfield's ability to keep up with limited demand. According to the National Park Service, serial number 234,000 is approximately when production ended in 1913. There are estimated ranges as high as 263,000 but serial number data tends to support the lower estimate. When production resumed in 1917, parts that remained from 1913 production were utilized to assemble new rifles. This particular rifle has a receiver that was most likely made in 1917 based on the lower serial range estimates, and a Rock Island barrel dated for August of 1913. It is possible this receiver and barrel were initially paired when production resumed in 1917 using a leftover barrel and a new receiver. The bolt of the gun is mismatched but is in very nice condition. The receiver and barrel of the rifled have been refinished and the blued finish is in excellent condition. The trigger guard and floor plate retain a parkerized finish that appears to be original. It is in decent condition with some thinning and minor oxidation throughout. The wooden stock has been lightly sanded, but is in very nice condition overall. There is a faint marking on the left face above the wrist, and some dings on the right face toward floor plate. The rear sight assembly has been removed and a "blank" metal strip has been put in its place. A vintage Lyman peep sight has been installed to replace the rear sight and is in excellent condition. The bore is mint.