Rock Island Arsenal 1903 RIA .30-06 Bolt Action Rifle MFD 1913
Our Assessment: When the US Army was looking for a rifle design to replace the 1898 Krag rifle, they looked directly at the Spanish Model 1893 Mauser. This was due to the fact that the performance of the Model 1893 Mauser was far superior than that of the 1898 Krag during the Spanish-American War. The Model 1903 is basically a redesigned Mauser clone. A U.S. Patent Court eventually found that the U.S. Army had violated Mauser's patents and required the U.S. Army to pay the German Mauser manufacturers patent royalties. Payments were stopped once WWI started. The 1903 has a strong reliable action that served the Army for over thirty years in two world wars. The 1903A3 is an improved version of the 1903 rifle that was introduced in 1942. The most significant change was the switch to a receiver bridge-mounted rear aperture sight.This Rock Island Arsenal Model 1903 was made in 1913, its barrel is dated 1919, it has been rebuilt and refinished and it includes a sight protector. This 1903 still looks impressive for a 100+ year old military bolt action rifle. This 1903 has nice Rock Island markings on both the receiver and the 1919 dated barrel. There are a few interesting markings on the stock, most are faded. This 1903 has a Good bore, strong mechanics, and a well preserved wood stock. This RIA 1903 will make a fine addition to your military or historical collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Make: Rock Island Arsenal
Model: 1903
Serial Number: 232135
Year of Manufacture: 1913, Barrel marked 1919
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle, Fixed Internal Magazine
Barrel Length: 24"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade set atop a raised base. The rear sight is a U notched blade attached to a fully adjustable sight ladder. When flipped up, separate notches and an aperture on the ladder can be used for sighting.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a straight grip, nose cap with bayonet lug, stacking loop (damaged, snapped in half), barrel band, 2 sling loops and a smooth metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The wood shows scattered scratches & compression marks as well as sanding marks. The LOP measures 12 3/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks rate in about Good to Very Good overall condition, as refurbished.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright. The muzzle and grooves are gray. The bore shows erosion and an M.E. of 1.5. In this writer's opinion and for the age, the bore rates a 8 out of 10.Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950's.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 50% of its metal finish. The top rear of the receiver shows a crack. The metal shows scrapes, small scratches, and discoloration from oxidation. The discoloration is prominent on the receiver. The receiver shows areas of surface erosion. The screw heads are sharp, some show light tool marks. Most markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair to Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
CA LEGALITY: C&R: YES, CA DEALER Transferable: YES
RIFLE