Rock Island Arsenal: Year: 1st Serial: Last Serial: Model: 1904: 7501: 16000: M1903: 1905: 16001: 28000: M1903: 1906: 28001: 75000: M1903: 1907: 75001: 130000: M1903: 1908: 130001: 165000: M1903: 1909: 165001: 178000: M1903: 1910: 178001: 201000: M1903: 1911: 201001: 210634: M1903: 1912: 210635: 217801: M1903: 1913: 217802: 234830: M1903: 1914: Production Suspended: 1915: Production. The firm was assigned the serial number block of “3,000,000 to 3,599,999” for its initial production. Ten “trial production” M1903 rifles were produced soon after the contract was granted. Covering numbers: 1 - 445000. Please enter a serial number and click the submit button.
The ROCK ISLAND RIFLE MODEL 1903 provides both the beginning and advanced collector of the Rock Island Arsenal Model 1903 rifle with a depth of information heretofore unavailable. The standard reference works on the M1903 include little detailed information specific to the R.I.A. ’03, this is the ONLY book devoted solely to the Rock Island. Is my Rock Island Arsenal Model 1903 safe to shoot? My rock island arsenal was a low number rifle (185XXX), but on the bolt it says 'N.S.' (Nickel Steel), along with the bolt handle curving backwards, leading me to believe that it is a high-number bolt, but low number receiver.
1. Checked for working condition
2. Fired with proof round and checked for damage
3. Accepted by the Ordnance Department
The maker's mark and Ordnance wheel went on the center side of the stock below the back end of the receiver. The circled 'P' went on the pistol grip halfway between the trigger guard and bottom.
I will list the main stamps by manufacturer in sequence of use, plus other stamps put on.
THIS LIST IS FROM 3 DIFFERENT SOURCES. THERE ARE SOME DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE 3, AND 1 OF THEM MAY BE HALF FACT, HALF FICTION. tHE NUMBERS WITH QUESTION MARKS AFTER THEM ARE ESTIMATES.
HERE IS A RULE TO FOLLOW WHEN RESTORING ANY ITEM WITH A SERIAL NUMBER, AND IT REQUIRES PARTS WHICH WERE REVISED AT A PARTICULAR SERIAL NUMBER RANGE:
IF YOUR ITEM HAS A SERIAL NUMBER CLOSE TO WHERE THE PART WAS CHANGED, USING THE EARLIER VERSION WILL ALWAYS BE RIGHT. THE PART HAD TO HAVE BEEN IN EXISTENCE WHEN THE ITEM WAS ASSEMBLED.
Rock Island Arsenal Model 1903
Description
Rock Island 1903 Serial Number
Rock Island Arsenal US Model 1903 Rifle reissued in WWII…This RIA 1903 rifle is in excellent condition as arsenal reissued in WWII and retains most of its original arsenal finish…The stock is a WWI stock with the finger grooves which were originally on the WW1 manufactured rifles…The barrel is stamped R.I.A. 5-22 and the receiver is serial numbered 391050, a High Number 1903 which is considered safe to fire…Some minor parts will be WWII 03A3 replacement parts.
All Federal, State and Local Firearms rules apply to local and interstate sales…C&R or FFL is required for this weapon…All Federal, State and Local Firearms rules apply to local and interstate sales… Available in my store By Appointment. Please note: There are NO SALES via PayPal for Firearms and Ammunition …PayPal is accepted for all other sales.