I have a Greek return 1903 RIA serial 322371. Does anything show up? TIA! And what is something like this going for today? Overall 95 percent black Greek repark with a replacement SA 5-29 barrel in excellent shape.
I have a Greek return 1903 RIA serial 322371. Does anything show up? TIA! And what is something like this going for today? Overall 95 percent black Greek repark with a replacement SA 5-29 barrel in excellent shape.
The SA 5-29 could be the original barrel because SA used RIA receivers to build rifles in the late 20's. Nothing listed in SRS for that number.
The serial number is a little early for one of the "hybrid RIA/SAs - more likely just a simple replacement barrel.
"We make men without chests and expect from them virtue and enterprise. We laugh at honor and are shocked to find traitors in our midst."
--C.S. Lewis
The Greeks must have made it a common practice to replace the barrels on the '03s. Other owners of a Greek returned '03 that I've read about here and on other forums say their rifle has had its barrel replaced. The owners mostly commented on the excellent mechanical condition of their mixmaster '03s. Mine is also in excellent shape so a tip of the cap to the Greeks for taking such good care of our rifles.
The value of the Greek returned '03s in excellent shape is probably equal to a typical '03 in similar shape. The mixmaster status would probably supress the value some. I'd like to think a premium would be added to the value for the possible double duty service the rifle could have seen during WW2 and the Greek Civil War. Maybe someone who has dealt in firearms and is more familiar with Greek returns will comment.