This 107 year old Model 1903 serial number 340248, was manufactured at the Rock Island Armory in 1919, approximately six weeks before the production line ceased operations following World War I. The final RIA-produced 1903 was serial number 346800. Early Rock Island 1903s featured single heat-treated receivers, which in some cases became brittle and cracked after extensive use; any RIA 1903 with a serial number below 285507 should not be fired. In February 1917, RIA implemented a double heat treatment process to resolve this issue, and in May 1918, starting with serial number 319921, adopted Nickel Steel for both receivers and bolts, further enhancing durability. Springfield Armory did not adopt Nickel Steel until 1928. Serial number 340248 was built with Nickel Steel components and originally fitted with a standard “Straight Stock” with “Grasping Grooves” and no pistol grip. Records suggest it was sent to Springfield Armory twice during service: first in the 1920s, when the original 1919-dated barrel was replaced with a “Flaming Bomb” marked Springfield Armory barrel dated 3-09, and later for a comprehensive rebuild in the mid-1930s, during which the barrel, receiver, bolt, and small parts were refinished with the distinctive black parkerized finish used only at Springfield during that period. It was also upgraded with a Type C “Pistol Grip” stock, approved in 1929 to improve strength and handling, and thereafter designated as a 1903A1. The rifle shows clear signs of use but remains in good condition, with no rust, corrosion, or pitting on the metal. The bore exhibits some frost and worn rifling but should still deliver accurate performance. It does have a import mark. The stock and hand guard display handling marks, with visible traces of the Crossed Cannons Cartouche on the right side of the stock, the Circle P proof mark on the wrist behind the trigger guard, and the Springfield Inspector’s Stamp located below and slightly behind the magazine cut-off lever. While the stock is free of cracks, there is an unusual repair on the right side, positioned below and slightly behind the rear sight. The inserted wood exhibits stains and discoloration, suggesting the repair was carried out while the rifle remained in active service. As surplus drys up around the world and an almost complete ban on importing American made “Weapons of War” back to the United States, these rifles will really have no where to go except increase in value and harder to find.


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