Rock Island Arsenal 1903

Russ

Russ

CGN Regular
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Manitoba
I have a 1903 RIA that is in overall good shape. RIA flaming bomb 11-19 marked barrel. SN 304###.
The issue I have is the bore is poor and the muzzle is counter bored. Should I leave the rifle as is, re-barrel
it with a new criterion barrel, or rebore the original barrel to something like 35 whelen or 375 whelen depending what it will clean up at.
The last would keep all the markings.
What will it do to the value?

Russ...
 
A re-bore would work with the .35 Whelen, but value would be maintained with a rebarrel in .30-06. The Criterion barrels in .30-06 have good reviews, but it would be better to locate a military M1903 barrel for this. New Springfield Armory and High Standard GI barrels can be found for around $400 US. Then there's the cost of installation. I've done a few rebarrels with both makes of military barrels and they shoot very well.
 
By the time all is said and done it's going to cost you at least $500 if you take off and reinstall the barrel yourself after re boring. The barrel will have to be mailed to and from the smith doing the re bore at about $25 each way on top of the cost of the re bore.

The rifle's value will not increase at all and may even be diminished. What really matters is what it is worth to you because that rifle in 35Whelan will be a hard sell, especially if you are trying to make money or even cover costs.

Go with Purple's solution it is the only one that you might break even on. Better yet put it up for sale to someone with the time/money/expertise/drive to rebuild it.
 
I would personally rebarrel with military barrel or leave as is. If I was looking for .35 Whalen I would sell that gun and use the funds to convert/build on a less historically valuable rifle.
My .02
 
I don't what a whelen, I just thought the re-bore would save the markings of the original barrel but make it a shooter again.
Finding a NOS barrel is getting very difficult these days...next option is the new criterion barrel.
Russ...
 
Russ said:
I don't what a whelen, I just thought the re-bore would save the markings of the original barrel but make it a shooter again.
Finding a NOS barrel is getting very difficult these days...next option is the new criterion barrel.
Russ...
Click to expand...

Sorry missed that.
Rebarrel with criterion and keep the original barrel with the gun and you have a good shooter and no harm done.
 
How does it shoot? If it shoots fine, then I don't know what you are trying to achieve. If you re-barrel it with anything but an original barrel, your value will be tanked to nothingness. Sell it so someone who appreciates it and buy something you want.
 
I finally got the old girl back and to it's former glory. New criterion barrel, and correct parts and stock.
Also have a R.I.A. 1918 dated sling but no picture with the old girl wearing it....sometimes you have to leave a little to the imagination. ;-)









 
Got a chance to take the 1903 out today for a test drive. It was -13c with a slight wind in my face.
The load was 150grFMJBT at 2750fps. Group one was with a 6 o'clock hold. Not the greatest but at this stage
in life I'm happy to hit the paper with iron's.
Group 2 things settled a bit better with only one flier. this was with a 12 o'clock hold.
Distance was 100yards.
Much better than the old barrel. which wouldn't keep them on paper at 50 yards and key holes at 100.




Russ...
 
I get best results with the peep on those. Did Vulcan do the job for you? I see you had the original markings replicated on the new BBL.
 
I'm having a hard time seeing the peep....wish I could have my 30 year old eyes back. And yes, Nick at Vulcan did the work and it's outstanding!!!
All correct parts were installed, replaced the stock with the correct stock. The markings on the barrel and bayonet are near perfect.
The 1903 is my favorite milsurp. A thing of beauty.
 
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