Raritan Arsenal M1903A1?

deadin · Post by **deadin** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 9:23 pm

I've had this Rock Island M1903, Ser# 329,4xx for a number of years. It is wearing a SA 1-42 barrel in a C-Type stock marked with the Raritan Arsenal cartouche (RA-P in a rectangle). Checkered buttplate and a smooth trigger.

My question is: Is this likely an arsenal rebuild or is it something someone has assembled from parts at a later date. Any way to tell for sure?

http://home.att.net/~deadin/M1903A1.jpg[/pic]

Dean

sunray · Post by **sunray** » Sun Apr 27, 2008 2:13 am

"...likely an arsenal rebuild..." Possibly, but there's no way of knowing for sure. Mind you, I'd suspect it is an arsenal rebuild that somebody re-did the metal finish. Looks kind of newish in your picture. It's at least a high S/N RI. Work up a load and go shooting.

deadin · Post by **deadin** » Sun Apr 27, 2008 9:50 am

When I bought it, it was with the understanding that it had been "spiffied up" for use in a re-enactment group or honor guard.

I agree that the metal has been re-parked and it appears that the wood has been boned. Still a nice looking rifle and it does shoot great.

Dean