Two very early Rock Island 1903's rifles

[rayg]

Ray, no I was referring to the rear barrel band. On Rod Bayonet Rifles and on some early altered and assembled 03's, the rear barrel bands were solid at the base where the swivel screw goes through and not split like they became sometime in 1906 or 1907. Occasionally an early rifle shows up with a Solid rear barrel band.
Now I'm not referring to the split or solid sling swivels. Just the barrel bands.

They are both split not solid Fred.

Rick that is certainly one beautiful rifle. I just love those early rifles with no bolt stocks and no sight grove hand guards. There's not many of them still around that haven't been re-arsenaled or up graded. Ray

[Fred]

There! I've finally been successful at posting a photo of the solid type rear band...
OK, too late since you've already informed me that both of the rifles have split bands. Thanks Ray!

[rayg]

Is that on your Rod bayonet rifle Fred? Speaking of which, would love to see some photos of that one again, Ray

[Fred]

Yes Ray, I was able to replace the split band on my Rod Bayonet 03 with this solid and correct band that I received in a trade from John Beard. What a guy!
Gee Ray, I'd be only too happy to post some more photo's of my rifle. I'm going to try to take some new photo's of it though so that the good folk here don't get too overly tired of seeing the same old photo's that I've posted before. Let me see what I can come up with...

[Fred]

Here ya go Ray...

[Fred]

[Rick the Librarian]

Show-off!!

[rayg]

Thanks Fred. That is a beauty! I just love to see that rifle. Nothing beats a Rod Bayonet rifle for an early 1903. Ray

[Fred]

Here's a photo of the rear sight with its 25 yard increments...

[bruce]

Re: OP. Many thanks to you for sharing the pictures of these wonderful rifles! Very much enjoyed. Sincerely. bruce.