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. Rock Island Model 1903. Serial number is above the 'low number' for Rock Island, 383XXX. Barrel is marked SA 12-28. I am attempting to upload some pics.
I also have a Rock Island in the 70,000 serial number range. Mine was re-barreled with a 1919 barrel, so I assume that was the year it was re-barreled. Mine was made in 1906, so yours was most likely also made that year. I shoot mine with cast lead bullets at reduced velocities. Sweet trigger and pretty accurate. Have fun with it. Manufactured in 1904, with a 'RIA/5-05' marked barrel, the standard four-line address over the serial number on the receiver ring, single vent hole, and an early pattern un-canted bolt. Nearly all elements of the early U.S. 1903 rifle were the subject of later overhaul and revision, especially the early barrels, which were often discarded and replaced with ones chambered for 30-06.
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.
Rock Island Arsenal Model 1903 Serial Number Ranges 2017
IF ANYONE CAN PROVIDE BETTER INFORMATION, PLEASE SEND IT. I WILL REVISE THE LIST.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.
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1903 Rock Island Arsenal Rifle
Did a search and didn't see anything said about this. Wondering if anyone has any info or experience past what I can find on the internet about this.
Just grabbed another family rifle, a Rock Island Arsenal model 1903 .30-06. After looking it up a little bit, apparently there's a danger in shooting the sub ~#250,000 rifles. Evidently there was improper heat treating to the receiver which makes it possible for it to cause seriously damaging failures.
The serial number on this gun is #129,120. Gun has some wear, and I know it's been shot plenty before without incident. However it has been sitting for a solid 10 years. Just cleaned, lubed and polished it. I only took a few pictures but I'll attach them.
Does anyone have any experience with these older Rock Island Arsenal 1903's? Thanks!
Leo
Bad pic of the 129,120