Synopsis:

Rock Island Arsenal 1903 Springfield Rifle, barrel dated 1919, with a later added mount for Warner & Swasey Model of 1913 Telescopic Musket Sight.

Description:

The US Model 1903 rifles fitted with the Warner & Swasey telescopic sights were the first official sniper rifles of the US military. This example made by the Rock Island Arsenal, circa 1919, caliber .30-06 Springfield, was non-factory modified to have an added mount for the Warner and Swasey sight, the scope missing. The rifle with 24" barrel has a drift adjustable blade front sight and a battle / ladder rear sight mounted on the receiver bridge, the ladder graduated from 3-27. The barrel is stamped R.I.A dated 02-19 with the Ordnance Department “Flaming Bomb”, a "P" on lower surface. The receiver is marked "U.S." over "ROCK ISLAND / ARSENAL / MODEL 1903" with SN: "346967" below the manufacturer markings. Unnumbered Warner & Swasey base mounted to the left side, mounting screws not staked. Largely unmarked bolt, "8" on the lug. Full-length walnut military stock whose cartouche on left wrist is no longer visible, three sling swivels, and a smooth trapdoor buttplate. Original military leather sling attached to front and rear sling swivels.

Condition:

G condition Rock Island Arsenal Model 1903 Springfield Rifle, most of the blue on the barrel, bands, trigger guard, and floorplate, along with the case coloring on the receiver, having toned to a grey or mellow plum color. The same holds for the bolt, partially browned, whose cocking knob is darker. Comparable condition Warner and Swayze mount, a non-factory addition, the portion that rides into the sight channel still bright. Oil darkened arsenal reworked stock whose cartouche is no longer discernible, cleaned buttplate, and oil-soaked sling. Lightly etched bore. Correct manual mechanics.