Rock Island Model 1903 - The Firearms Forum

cadamson · 10-20-2009, 09:58 PM

Can anyone give some information as to value for this rifle? I am pretty sure the stock has been refinished by someone that is not a professional. Would it be possible to strip the finish he has applied and refinish to a more "original look"? Or is it better to leave alone? The two bands that hold the stock on also look to be painted but I dont know how he removed them for that. The good news is the bolt, reciever, and barrel have all been left original as far as I can tell. Serial number is above the "low number" for Rock Island, 383XXX.
Barrel is marked SA 12-28. I am attempting to upload some pics.. The metal looks wet, its just oil, prolly overdone it a little.
Any information would be great.
If you need more from me please let me know.
Thanks

Alpo · 10-21-2009, 08:25 AM

The bands sure look painted in those pix. It's been a while since I removed the bands on an ought three, but I'm pretty sure that if you take the screws out, the bands come loose.

For the finish, I'd get some paint stripper and put on it - take that crappy looking varnish off. Then refinish with linseed oil.

wonderwhippet · 10-21-2009, 06:48 PM

Alpo is right, get that crap off with paint or varnish stripper and rub in a few coats of boiled linseed oil. Do not sand it. Does it have any cartouches (markings) on the stock?

cadamson · 10-21-2009, 06:58 PM

It has a P behind the trigger on the stock that I can see. I am in the process of removing the old finish and am going to rub the linseed oil in when I finish. I will post more pics when I finish.. Im gonna strip the stupid paint off the metal parts that are painted also. From the spots that have been worn it looks like the metal will look original after I remove the paint.

cadamson · 10-21-2009, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpo

The bands sure look painted in those pix. It's been a while since I removed the bands on an ought three, but I'm pretty sure that if you take the screws out, the bands come loose.

For the finish, I'd get some paint stripper and put on it - take that crappy looking varnish off. Then refinish with linseed oil.

I can get the bands all but off the rifle.. From what I can tell to completly remove them I will have to remove the front site. I am not sure I want to try and remove the front site but I really want to remove the paint from the bands any suggestions?

cadamson · 10-21-2009, 09:39 PM

Im in the process of refinishing the stock and buttplate.
Gonna let the stock dry out over night and then do the boiled linseed oil. the paint came right off the buttplate and is back to what looks to be original steal. I have take pics throughout the process and will post some if anyone is interested.

gdmoody · 10-22-2009, 12:00 AM

I would be interested in an after shot and maybe a couple of the process as you are doing it.

woolleyworm · 10-22-2009, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cadamson

Im in the process of refinishing the stock and buttplate.
Gonna let the stock dry out over night and then do the boiled linseed oil. the paint came right off the buttplate and is back to what looks to be original steal. I have take pics throughout the process and will post some if anyone is interested.

The more pics the better !! You'll always find some interest here.

cadamson · 10-22-2009, 05:29 PM

This is after a few minutes of Zip-Strip.
I let it work for about ten minutes and then rubbed it off with fine steel wool.
It came off really easy.

cadamson · 10-22-2009, 05:35 PM

This is the stock after the old finish has been removed.

cadamson · 10-22-2009, 05:52 PM

Here are some pics after a couple coats of Boiled linseed oil..It looks tons better. I still have to strip the paint from the barrel bands but I had to put it back together and see what it was gonna look like all together. It turned out much better than I expected. It hanging on the wall now and seems to get better looking the longer it sets.

cadamson · 10-22-2009, 06:03 PM

One more pic so you can see the whole rifle.

cadamson · 10-22-2009, 07:18 PM

Can anyone put an approximate value on this rifle? I dont have any intentions in selling but would like to have an idea of the value. The only cartouches that I can find on the stock is a "P" behind the trigger guard and an "A" slightly overlapping the "P". The barrel is marked SA 12 28.
The reciever is marked
U.S
ROCKISLAND
ARSENAL.
MODEL 1903.
383XXX

Thanks

Alpo · 10-22-2009, 08:10 PM

Aim Surplus is selling 03A3 Springfields for 800 dollars. And they've been refinished, with new wood. I would think that yours would be worth more, if for no other reason, that it's an 03, not an 03A3.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/U...06_Rifles.html

cadamson · 10-22-2009, 08:52 PM

Thanks for the info. I dont think I will ever sell it, its my new favorate gun!!

cadamson · 10-22-2009, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wonderwhippet

Alpo is right, get that crap off with paint or varnish stripper and rub in a few coats of boiled linseed oil. Do not sand it. Does it have any cartouches (markings) on the stock?

I coated the stock with linseed oil and let it sit for about ten min, and then removed the exess oil with a clean dry towel. Did this two times. I think it turned out pretty good. Thanks for the suggestion. I was a little afraid to do anything to the stock because I havent done any refinishing before. Will I need to reapply more linseed oil from time to time?

Alpo · 10-23-2009, 07:31 AM

Seems like the old standby was, "Once a day for a week, once a week for a month, once a month for a year and once a year for the rest of your life."

You don't coat it and let it set. You put some on a rag and rub it in. Like putting furniture polish on a table or shoe polish on your boots.

cadamson · 10-23-2009, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpo

Seems like the old standby was, "Once a day for a week, once a week for a month, once a month for a year and once a year for the rest of your life."

You don't coat it and let it set. You put some on a rag and rub it in. Like putting furniture polish on a table or shoe polish on your boots.

Ok.. I had never done any finishing like this. Thanks for the info. I have a couple other old rifles I may take a second look at and think about refinishing them now. I will post pics and ask for suggestions from you guys as to a good way to start before I do. Thanks to everyone for the help.

Oohrah · 10-26-2009, 11:11 PM

I'm not sure if this qualifies as a low number Springfield below 300,000. It seems that your Rock Island goes a little lower before they claim unsafe to fire because of the heat treatment. Low numbers with questionable heat treatment doesn't have the same value. I'm not a collector, but those with milled parts (03s) and stamped minor parts (03A3) in like condition, the milled 03 will probably bring the higher price.
I think the gap is shriking to condition more than model. Correct part manufacturings, and rebuilts over orginal are also factors. Prices continue to climb as most left are ceremonial ones that may be altered not to function. Occasional some come in and and quickly sold by the CMP. Many rifles have poor bores, sometimes due to the corrosive priming of the day and neglect. Would guess at 600 to $800 averages depending on condition.

BETH · 10-26-2009, 11:17 PM

what a beautiful job u did-really nice

Oldeyes · 10-27-2009, 07:57 AM

Per the CMP web site definition of what constitutes an unsafe to fire low serial number Rock Island '03 rifle, the unsafe RI serial numbers are below serial number 285,507. Full information on all of the unsafe to fire '03 issues can be found at:

http://www.thecmp.org/m1903.htm

cadamson · 10-27-2009, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BETH

what a beautiful job u did-really nice

Thank you very much.

10-20-2009, 09:58 PM	#1
cadamson Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 33	Rock Island Model 1903 Can anyone give some information as to value for this rifle? I am pretty sure the stock has been refinished by someone that is not a professional. Would it be possible to strip the finish he has applied and refinish to a more "original look"? Or is it better to leave alone? The two bands that hold the stock on also look to be painted but I dont know how he removed them for that. The good news is the bolt, reciever, and barrel have all been left original as far as I can tell. Serial number is above the "low number" for Rock Island, 383XXX. Barrel is marked SA 12-28. I am attempting to upload some pics.. The metal looks wet, its just oil, prolly overdone it a little. Any information would be great. If you need more from me please let me know. Thanks Attached Images -->

10-21-2009, 08:25 AM	#2
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,664	Re: Rock Island Model 1903 The bands sure look painted in those pix. It's been a while since I removed the bands on an ought three, but I'm pretty sure that if you take the screws out, the bands come loose. For the finish, I'd get some paint stripper and put on it - take that crappy looking varnish off. Then refinish with linseed oil. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

10-21-2009, 06:48 PM	#3
wonderwhippet Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,587	Re: Rock Island Model 1903 Alpo is right, get that crap off with paint or varnish stripper and rub in a few coats of boiled linseed oil. Do not sand it. Does it have any cartouches (markings) on the stock?

10-21-2009, 06:58 PM	#4
cadamson Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 33	Re: Rock Island Model 1903 It has a P behind the trigger on the stock that I can see. I am in the process of removing the old finish and am going to rub the linseed oil in when I finish. I will post more pics when I finish.. Im gonna strip the stupid paint off the metal parts that are painted also. From the spots that have been worn it looks like the metal will look original after I remove the paint.

10-21-2009, 09:39 PM	#6
cadamson Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 33	Re: Rock Island Model 1903 Im in the process of refinishing the stock and buttplate. Gonna let the stock dry out over night and then do the boiled linseed oil. the paint came right off the buttplate and is back to what looks to be original steal. I have take pics throughout the process and will post some if anyone is interested.

10-22-2009, 12:00 AM	#7
gdmoody Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northeast Georgia Contributor Posts: 6,358	Re: Rock Island Model 1903 I would be interested in an after shot and maybe a couple of the process as you are doing it. __________________ NRA Endowment Member GeorgiaCarry.Org Member Retired US Army Postal Worker Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take an ass whoopin'.....author unknown (but obviously brilliant)

10-22-2009, 05:29 PM	#9
cadamson Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 33	Re: Rock Island Model 1903 This is after a few minutes of Zip-Strip. I let it work for about ten minutes and then rubbed it off with fine steel wool. It came off really easy. Attached Images

10-22-2009, 05:35 PM	#10
cadamson Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 33	Re: Rock Island Model 1903 This is the stock after the old finish has been removed. Attached Images

10-22-2009, 05:52 PM	#11
cadamson Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 33	Re: Rock Island Model 1903 Here are some pics after a couple coats of Boiled linseed oil..It looks tons better. I still have to strip the paint from the barrel bands but I had to put it back together and see what it was gonna look like all together. It turned out much better than I expected. It hanging on the wall now and seems to get better looking the longer it sets. Attached Images

10-22-2009, 06:03 PM	#12
cadamson Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 33	Re: Rock Island Model 1903 One more pic so you can see the whole rifle. Attached Images

10-22-2009, 07:18 PM	#13
cadamson Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 33	Re: Rock Island Model 1903 Can anyone put an approximate value on this rifle? I dont have any intentions in selling but would like to have an idea of the value. The only cartouches that I can find on the stock is a "P" behind the trigger guard and an "A" slightly overlapping the "P". The barrel is marked SA 12 28. The reciever is marked U.S ROCKISLAND ARSENAL. MODEL 1903. 383XXX Thanks Last edited by cadamson; 10-22-2009 at 07:19 PM..

10-22-2009, 08:10 PM	#14
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,664	Re: Rock Island Model 1903 Aim Surplus is selling 03A3 Springfields for 800 dollars. And they've been refinished, with new wood. I would think that yours would be worth more, if for no other reason, that it's an 03, not an 03A3. http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/U...06_Rifles.html __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

10-22-2009, 08:52 PM	#15
cadamson Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 33	Re: Rock Island Model 1903 Thanks for the info. I dont think I will ever sell it, its my new favorate gun!!

10-23-2009, 07:31 AM	#17
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,664	Re: Rock Island Model 1903 Seems like the old standby was, "Once a day for a week, once a week for a month, once a month for a year and once a year for the rest of your life." You don't coat it and let it set. You put some on a rag and rub it in. Like putting furniture polish on a table or shoe polish on your boots. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

10-26-2009, 11:11 PM	#19
Oohrah V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 60	Re: Rock Island Model 1903 I'm not sure if this qualifies as a low number Springfield below 300,000. It seems that your Rock Island goes a little lower before they claim unsafe to fire because of the heat treatment. Low numbers with questionable heat treatment doesn't have the same value. I'm not a collector, but those with milled parts (03s) and stamped minor parts (03A3) in like condition, the milled 03 will probably bring the higher price. I think the gap is shriking to condition more than model. Correct part manufacturings, and rebuilts over orginal are also factors. Prices continue to climb as most left are ceremonial ones that may be altered not to function. Occasional some come in and and quickly sold by the CMP. Many rifles have poor bores, sometimes due to the corrosive priming of the day and neglect. Would guess at 600 to $800 averages depending on condition.

10-26-2009, 11:17 PM	#20
BETH Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: naugatuck,Ct. Contributor Posts: 6,676	Re: Rock Island Model 1903 what a beautiful job u did-really nice

10-27-2009, 07:57 AM	#21
Oldeyes V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 219	Re: Rock Island Model 1903 Per the CMP web site definition of what constitutes an unsafe to fire low serial number Rock Island '03 rifle, the unsafe RI serial numbers are below serial number 285,507. Full information on all of the unsafe to fire '03 issues can be found at: http://www.thecmp.org/m1903.htm