Rock Island Arsenal 1903 Springfield Rifle, barrel dated 1919, now customized to sniper configuration with a mounted Warner & Swasey Model of 1908 Telescopic Musket Sight with 1918-dated leather carrier.

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 fitted for a Warner and Swasey Model of 1908 telescopic sight. 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, screws not staked. Largely unmarked bolt, "8" on the lug. Full-length walnut military stock with military sling whose cartouche on left wrist is no longer visible, three sling swivels, and a smooth trapdoor buttplate. Complete with Warner & Swasey Model of 1908 scope with fine crosshair and rubber eyepiece, No. 751, inner surface of base stamped "FOR RIFLE NO. 353122". Leather scope carrier with strap, front of body marked "R.I.A. / 1918. / T.O.O.", back surface "F.S.".

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 whose cocking knob is darker. Comparable condition Warner and Swayze mount, the portion that rides into the sight channel still bright. The sight is in the same general condition, original black paint with thinning and chipping, exposed surfaces of the steel mount with patchy oxidation. Hazy optics with fine reticle, the flexible eyepiece a reproduction. Oil darkened arsenal reworked stock whose cartouche is no longer discernible, cleaned buttplate, and oil-soaked sling. Lightly etched bore. Correct manual mechanics. VG leather carrier, original stitching and rivets intact, strap with crazing.