Another 1903 question

texas-shooter

April 23, 2003 04:33

What is the safe range of serial numbers for a 1903 or 1903-A3 receiver?

Texas-Shooter

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  texas-shooter

  April 23, 2003 04:33

  I have a 1903 rifle that all the metal parts are either chromed or nickeled. The rifle is in excellent shape and looks like it has hardly if ever shot. My question is were any of these rifles factory made this way as a so called parade rifle? I would also like to know if it would be feasable to remove plating and re-parkerize? The stock looks like a higher grade wood-not dark like my other 1903. Thanks.

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  Der Gebirgsjager

  April 23, 2003 20:16

  The easiest first: all '03-A3 receivers are "safe".
  
  The 1903 receivers made by Rock Island Arsenal were considered "safe" beginning with no. 285,507 mfg. on May 11, 1918. Those made by Springfield were made with an improved heat treatment somewhere between 750,000 and 780,000. It is known that beginning with no. 800,000 all receivers made thereafter received the improved heat treatment. Generally 780,000 and above is considered "safe".
  
  This information can be found in "Hatcher's Notebook", which is the primary reference source from which other subsequent books have drawn upon for this list.

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  texas-shooter

  April 28, 2003 04:03

  Thanks for the info
  
  Texas-Shooter

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