Rock Island Arsenal 1903

[chance007]

I have a RIA model 1903. Serial number on gun is 372XXX. Can anyone give me any info on this gun. Thanks

 

[tyeo098]

...did you try google?

http://www.typo.org/~web/guns/ria-m1903.html

 

[Jim K]

That article has a lot of errors, but the basics are correct. The M1903 was based on the Krag and the Model 1893 Mauser (not the Model 1898 Mauser) and was made at both Springfield Armory and Rock Island Arsenal; except for markings the guns from both factories are identical and parts are interchangeable. 372xxx would have been made about September, 1918.

FWIW, the so-called "low number" cutoff for RIA was 285500, so 372xxx is well into the double heat treated range.

Jim

 

[chance007]

Thanks JimK. I feel better with that bit of info. I did some research on the internet but wasnt to sure. I know the people on here probably have forgotten more than I'll ever know. Thanks again.