1903 from 6/18 - WWI

[Mendozaco]

I always wanted a 1903 from WWI and with a serial number in b/w 800,000 to 1,000,000 for my collection. I seen several on auction before but always in low numbers or in bad shape. Although this one was built in the last year of WWI, it may have seem some action in WWI and WWII. The sling came with one keeper and it was coming apart. I used dental floss to saw it together and it was a b..ch to get it done. Thank god for home ed classes in high school. Go Wootton!
To all by shooting buds how did I do?

 

[ken792]

I'll trade you my Sistema for it, haha.

 

[tinydata]

Beautiful rifle- can't wait to see it in person

 

[WhiteWhale056]

Just curious, but why one from that series?

 

[Mendozaco]

Just curious, but why one from that series?

They way I see it is that one from the 1st 200,000 usable rifle an over 800,000 (low numbers) will be valuable in the long term and fun to shoot with all its history. In 4 years this baby is 100 years old and a nice addition to my collection.

Tinydata next time you're in town you're welcome to take a few shots.

 

[K31]

If you get one with a low serial number then it will be more valuable since all the others from the same series will have exploded.

 

[Machodoc]

Really nice rifle! FWIW, Tandy Leather Company sells heavy threads, specialty leather-sewing needles, etc., that can make repairs on slings and holsters much easier and better looking. Sometimes a heavy, or curved, needle can make the job lots faster. I've ordered from a Tandy store in Richmond twice, and they shipped really fast. Prices were very reasonable, too!

If you lube the needle and thread with beeswax, it's even that much easier. I also use needle-nose pliers to push needles through really tough stuff.

If you get one with a low serial number then it will be more valuable since all the others from the same series will have exploded.

Always the little puddle of sunshine, aren't you?

 

[Dave91]

Excellent pick up. How is the bore? That one shows some use which I really like. The USGI sling is a score as well.

 

[Mendozaco]

Excellent pick up. How is the bore? That one shows some use which I really like. The USGI sling is a score as well.

I had my gauges with me and it read TE 2.5+, ME 1+. The bore looks clean with no pitting or rust. I shot it on Sunday and the groups were 2.5 for 3 shots in 100yds. In most cases it was shooter error than the rifle. Ken792 and tinydata may get better results.

 

[Lou45]

Based on time of manufacture, condition, originality (this gun looks all original per manufacture), and perhaps sling, I don't think this gun made it's way to Europe in WW1, but instead, may have been used in the last few months of the war stateside for basic shooting training and may have stayed stateside for same purpose in WWII. The gun does not appear to have been rearsenalized and in too nice of condition to have seen real combat.

 

[BlackBart]

I like the weapon MUCH MUCH better than the foot, sell the gun to me cheap and buy food with the money!

 

[Mendozaco]

I like the weapon MUCH MUCH better than the foot, sell the gun to me cheap and buy food with the money!

What's wrong with my sexy foot? Thats a good one

 

[Mooseman]

Very nice. Call me jealous.

 

[Mendozaco]

Based on time of manufacture, condition, originality (this gun looks all original per manufacture), and perhaps sling, I don't think this gun made it's way to Europe in WW1, but instead, may have been used in the last few months of the war stateside for basic shooting training and may have stayed stateside for same purpose in WWII. The gun does not appear to have been rearsenalized and in too nice of condition to have seen real combat.

Lou45 good info and glad to have your input. You could be right because the condition in this piece is nice, but I could have seen some action in the pacific before the Garand replace it. This is what is beautiful about US surplus rifles, we never know what actions, battles or places they have seen and been. If they could talk it would be an interesting conversation.. Overall, the rifle is a beautiful specimen and a good addition to Maryland.

 

[AC MkIII]

Nice rifle. I love my 03a3. I will get an 03 one day.

 

[Lou45]

Lou45 good info and glad to have your input. You could be right because the condition in this piece is nice, but I could have seen some action in the pacific before the Garand replace it. This is what is beautiful about US surplus rifles, we never know what actions, battles or places they have seen and been. If they could talk it would be an interesting conversation.. Overall, the rifle is a beautiful specimen and a good addition to Maryland.

The gun has honest wear and NOT abusive wear as would most likely have been seen in combat. I doubt that gun left the states and if it did, most likely it was a guard's gun in front of a building or at a post or depot, not front line battle.

 

[Threeband]

It was probably issued to the Minnesota National Guard. There are a lot of Swedes in Minnesota, and those Swedes take very good care of their rifles.

(judging from the condition of my Swedish Mauser.)

 

[Mendozaco]

To the C&R gods. I been told that the bolt doesn't match the rifle and that the parkerized is not evenly flowing with the receiver. And that the bolt is a replacement to this 6-18 1903. Is it true or just baloney? Your insight will be appreciated.

 

[ken792]

What's the steel code on your bolt?

http://www.vishooter.net/slc6_2008.html

Also, does the bolt handle sweep back slightly or go straight down? I can't quite tell from the pictures.

 

[Mendozaco]

Here are the pics.