OT- It's raining 1903s!

[awp101]

Well, after getting that single shot 1903 at the show a couple of weekends ago I decided I should look for another reasonably priced sporter for a different project (.257 Roberts) and/or something close to original. Found this one locally and picked it up tonight. The pics are from the seller since I just got it home:




1919 production RIA 1903. Receiver should be nickel steel with the correct heat treat, non d&t, looks like it just needs a new stock and bands.

Can anyone ID this marking/carving? I know it was done by a previous owner but that's all.


Thanks to Malamute for the 1903 pointers that helped me decide this one could be saved!

[Hobie]

Good on you!

I got it in my head that I "needed" an 03A3 but only after I turned down a $500 deal on a mint rifle with Elmer Keith's cartouche! Thought I didn't have the money. You were smart to get that.

The symbol looks like a brand.

[Wind]

Hey there awp101 - I prolly have everything in front of the trigger guard you will need. Shoot me a PM and we can sort out how to get it to you. Best regards. Wind

[olyinaz]

According the Brands Act of 1915 of the Australian Queensland Government, that ear mark would symbolize an "S" (the tuning fork looking thing) and a "DV" (the broken S looking thing).

Oly

[firefuzz]

I noticed you mentioned that you're going to build the gun in .257 Roberts. Excellent cartridge. Look at the .257 Ackley Improved before you decide. I had a Robert punched out to it and was amazed at the improved velocities.

Rob

[awp101]

I got it in my head that I "needed" an 03A3 but only after I turned down a $500 deal on a mint rifle with Elmer Keith's cartouche! Thought I didn't have the money.

OUCH!

The symbol looks like a brand.

Are spurs symbolized in brands? Maybe Spur S?

I noticed you mentioned that you're going to build the gun in .257 Roberts. Excellent cartridge. Look at the .257 Ackley Improved before you decide. I had a Robert punched out to it and was amazed at the improved velocities.

Rob

Unless this one absolutely will not shoot for poop, it's going to be "restored". I use the quotation marks because I'm not going to build it as a correct 1903. It will have more of the feel of a 1903 that went through a rebuild and got some 03A3 bits or at least an 03A3 stock. I THINK this one has the milled floorplate. Does anyone have a pic handy of either version so I can see what I have?

I also just noticed it's not d&t for a receiver sight, I thought they all were?

I fully intend to have a sporter .257 either on a Mauser or 1903 receiver but it will probably be a straight Bob. I already have a Kar88 .257 and I don't want to alter it for the AI or keep two sets of brass. Dunno for sure though as that will be a ways down the road and I'll change my mind 14 times between now and next month. Then again, if that altered 1903 I bought a couple of weekends ago doesn't shoot, IT may be the Bob build.

Wind, let me see exactly what I might need and I'll drop you a line.

[awp101]

This thing may still have the original barrel. Stamped "RIA 9-18" and the "0113" about halfway between the receiver and front sight turns out to be a "C113" with my glasses on...

Rifling is thin from the muzzle to about an inch or so back but the rest looks like nothing a good scrubbing can't solve.