Hi, I'm new to the forums but after trying to research my Springfield 1903 I am confused as to the history of the gun.
I inherited the gun in 1996 from my father, a WW2 veteran. Although I'm not sure how he got it, it looks to be in relatively good condition and I also had the bayonet that fit at the end of the rifle but that was stolen.
Judging from the markings can someone tell me more about the rifle? The markings on the receiver are very hard to see but it says US Springfield Armory, Model 1903, #5002. So I'm thinking it was built in 1903 per the # and shouldn't be fired. But I couldn't find any definitive answers for the markings on the barrel: "RIA 11-18" Rock Island Armory? November 1918? Does that mean this is not the original barrel?
Can anyone else decipher the markings so I can get a better picture of the background of this rifle? Thanks in advance since my internet search skills are not very good!
Gary
PS: hopefully my pics load...
I inherited the gun in 1996 from my father, a WW2 veteran. Although I'm not sure how he got it, it looks to be in relatively good condition and I also had the bayonet that fit at the end of the rifle but that was stolen.
Judging from the markings can someone tell me more about the rifle? The markings on the receiver are very hard to see but it says US Springfield Armory, Model 1903, #5002. So I'm thinking it was built in 1903 per the # and shouldn't be fired. But I couldn't find any definitive answers for the markings on the barrel: "RIA 11-18" Rock Island Armory? November 1918? Does that mean this is not the original barrel?
Can anyone else decipher the markings so I can get a better picture of the background of this rifle? Thanks in advance since my internet search skills are not very good!
Gary
PS: hopefully my pics load...