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1903 question? (dial up beware)

dongizmodongizmo Member Posts: 14,477 ✭✭
edited May 2007 in Ask the Experts
Anybody ever see one of these? 20rd box mag?
HPIM1137.jpg
HPIM1138.jpg
HPIM1135.jpg
It's low number (796xxx) Is it a prototype? or??
Don
The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly, is to fill the world with fools.
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Comments

  • rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Their in "Flayderman's Guide" "Model 1903 Rifle Stripped for Air Service". Serial Number Range 857,000 - 863,000.

    The magazine and stock look a lot different then the one in your photos.
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  • MooseyardMooseyard Member Posts: 2,541 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have only ever seen a couple of those. They are pretty cool though. I know they were used by air crews, but that is all I can tell you.
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  • Mk 19Mk 19 Member Posts: 8,170
    edited November -1
    As Rufe has stated it is a "Model 1903 Rifle stripped for air service", Basically it has a special 29" stock and a 5.75 upper hand guard specially made for this rifle. Solid lower barrel band was retained by a screw underneath. The rear leaf sight was shortened and altered to open sights with a square notch. That should be a 25 round extension mag, not 20. 910 rifles were produced during the first half of 1918, with serial numbers between 85700 and 863000, and all barrels were dated in the first half of 1918. It is a very rare and desirable rifle, with the magazine almost imposable to find.

    The magazine in your rifle does not look right, it has a "cobbled together" look to it. The serial number of your rifle is also very early for a "air service" rifle. You do need to find an expert in 03's to determine if your 03 is a prototype or a copy. I performed a quick search on google and came up with nothing useful, spend a bit of time and you will find what you need.
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  • foxbat3foxbat3 Member Posts: 111 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Research USMC use of the '03 on Guadalcanal. Have read reports of Marines converting the '03 to accept box magazines(20 rnd) like yours.
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  • rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The two previous posters have given you good advice. These links are ( 2 ) on line forums that specialize in 03's. Post your photos to them for identification.


    http://m1903.com/

    http://www.jouster.com/cgi-bin/03/03config.pl
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  • dongizmodongizmo Member Posts: 14,477 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks Guys![:D][:D]
    Don
    The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly, is to fill the world with fools.
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  • MIKE WISKEYMIKE WISKEY Member Posts: 10,046 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    522.jpg
    here is one I bought from gunparts (reproduction) from ww 1. the key is used to retain the magazine spring when removing it from the rifle, it holds 12 rounds.
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