WTS: Original 1906/08 M1903
Rifle is sold, pending arrival of funds
http://www.fototime.com/7E53CCA9DA3E075/standard.jpg
Offered for sale is an example of one the early "modified" M1903s. It started out about 1906 as one of the rifles with later characteristics but still in 30-03. It was modified about 1908 to 30-06, although it keeps some of its early characteristics. Serial number is 230,477.
1) It has a 1908 barrel, which is original to the time of modification.
http://www.fototime.com/B2D2BA4F8B83E82/standard.jpg
2) A single bolt BHM-stamped stock which is original to the era. The usual number of dings but no cracks or splits. This would have been shortly after the first bolt was added to production. There is a small "S" on the foretip, which denotes a pre-WWI SA stock. the stock is the early "straight wall" variety.
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http://www.fototime.com/58131FF6D656D51/standard.jpg
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3) An uncommon early rear sight with the platinum "line" with was found on M1905 sights of this period. The fixed sight base is the earlier "strapped" variety, which was soon replaced by a solid base. The sight knobs are the earlier variety - the windage knob is the smaller (.450") size, the sight binding screw is the earlier one with the groove along the circumference.
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http://www.fototime.com/2AA09216AC56706/standard.jpg
4) The handguard is one of the earlier pieces with no sight cut, as seen in later ones.
http://www.fototime.com/19B739BBCB7A08D/standard.jpg
5) It has the original bolt, with a small "S" stamp on the safety lug.
http://www.fototime.com/F526EB1DAACCD86/standard.jpg
http://www.fototime.com/3ABD4254176E29D/standard.jpg
6) All other parts - lower band, buttplate, etc. are original to the time manufactured.
http://www.fototime.com/F4AAAF5B627B75F/standard.jpg
http://www.fototime.com/3C2066AC8444F69/standard.jpg
7) Bore: Bore, although worn, is still shiny - no pitting. ME = 2.5; TE = 2
A splendid example of an early M1903, modified to later standards with script serial number.
Price is $1500, plus shipping. Payment to be made by certified means and shipment only to a FFL or C&R and ownership not to be limited by local, state or federal laws.
You can ask questions through this forum or by emailing me at rrsbls[AT]msn.com - NOTE: this rifle is for sale on other localities. First "I'll take it" wins, going by date/time of email or PM.
