A closer look at my RIA '03 today
I had the afternoon free, so I sat down with my LN M1903 described earlier, Nick Ferris' fine book on the RIA and a magnifying glass. Found a few more details:
1) after VERY cautiously doing a little disassembly, found the plugged hole in the forestock, showing that the stock was a former 30-03.
2) Don't know how I overlooked this earlier, but the front sight protector is a USMC - the curve of the protector clears the top of the front sight blade by a considerable amount. I'd be curious to know how one ended up on this rifle. I've decided not to remove it.
3) There is a "slot" in the back of the front sight base, identifying the barrel as a former 30-03. Of course, the 6-05 date could practically guarantee that!
4) Pete and RCS - the difference between the sight slide on your rifles and mine indicates you had the earlier (1905) model of this particular part - mine is the later (starting 1906) slight slide.
5) Considering the serial number, the receiver MAY have started out as a Rod Bayonet. RIA made 18,000 sets of rifle parts with RB features. Of course, only a relative handful ever were assembled and none were issued - again, according to Ferris' book.
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....so it's goin' to the range, right?
Originally Posted by Mike D
