Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this bolt-action rifle today for a penny-start auction, this is the Rock Island Arsenal Model 1903.
This Rock Island Arsenal Model 1903 is a highly desirable example featuring an extremely low "6697" serial number and was produced in 1904, the first year of production. Forged during the historic baseline era of the legendary bolt-action firearm, this receiver was originally fabricated in the short-lived "rod bayonet" pattern and chambered for the original .30-03 cartridge. Following sweeping military design shifts, it underwent two separate, monumental retrofits: the Model of 1905 update, which replaced the fragile rod with a robust 16-inch knife bayonet and a heavy-duty adjustable leaf rear sight, and the Model of 1906 update, which required the barrel chamber to be cut back, re-threaded, and re-chambered to accommodate the flat-shooting, iconic .30-06 ammunition. Because the vast majority of these early turn-of-the-century components were recycled and systematically updated through these back-to-back overhauls, this beautifully preserved rifle stands as a monumental collector's piece, perfectly chronicling the earliest, highly transitional days of 20th-century U.S. military ordnance production.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Rock Island Arsenal
Model: 1903
Serial: 6697
Date of Manufacture: 1904
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Finish: Blue (Patina)
Barrel Length: 24"
Optics/Sights: Blade Front with Adjustable Flip-Up Ladder Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard / The top of the receiver is marked "U.S. ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL MODEL 1903. / 6697". The top of the barrel is marked with a flaming bomb proof mark above a really faint date code that appears to read "12-04".
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The U.S. Rock Island Arsenal Model of 1903 rifle holds a unique place in American small-arms history as the only government facility outside of Springfield Armory tasked with manufacturing the legendary bolt-action firearm. Formally ordered into production in June 1903, the rifle line at Rock Island was established with the aid of dozens of skilled workers transferred from Springfield, operating under the initial guidance of Captain John T. Thompson. While plagued by technical delays in initial production, the arsenal successfully assembled its historic serial number "1" in December 1904. These early, low four-digit specimens were initially fabricated in the short-lived "rod bayonet" pattern and chambered for the original .30-03 cartridge. Due to sweeping military redesigns, the arsenal halted assembly to retrofit the design through two distinct, back-to-back updates: the Model of 1905 modification, which replaced the fragile rod with a robust 16-inch knife bayonet and an adjustable leaf rear sight, and the subsequent Model of 1906 mandate, which required existing barrels to be cut back, re-threaded, and re-chambered for the new high-velocity .30-06 ammunition.
Model: 1903
Serial: 6697
Date of Manufacture: 1904
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Finish: Blue (Patina)
Barrel Length: 24"
Optics/Sights: Blade Front with Adjustable Flip-Up Ladder Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard / The top of the receiver is marked "U.S. ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL MODEL 1903. / 6697". The top of the barrel is marked with a flaming bomb proof mark above a really faint date code that appears to read "12-04".
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The U.S. Rock Island Arsenal Model of 1903 rifle holds a unique place in American small-arms history as the only government facility outside of Springfield Armory tasked with manufacturing the legendary bolt-action firearm. Formally ordered into production in June 1903, the rifle line at Rock Island was established with the aid of dozens of skilled workers transferred from Springfield, operating under the initial guidance of Captain John T. Thompson. While plagued by technical delays in initial production, the arsenal successfully assembled its historic serial number "1" in December 1904. These early, low four-digit specimens were initially fabricated in the short-lived "rod bayonet" pattern and chambered for the original .30-03 cartridge. Due to sweeping military redesigns, the arsenal halted assembly to retrofit the design through two distinct, back-to-back updates: the Model of 1905 modification, which replaced the fragile rod with a robust 16-inch knife bayonet and an adjustable leaf rear sight, and the subsequent Model of 1906 mandate, which required existing barrels to be cut back, re-threaded, and re-chambered for the new high-velocity .30-06 ammunition.
Because relatively few complete Rock Island rifles were fully assembled before 1908, early components were continuously recycled through these dual overhauls, meaning original 1904 configurations were systematically updated, and original turn-of-the-century survivors are incredibly scarce. Today, a low-number four-digit receiver stands as a monumental collector's piece, chronicling the earliest, highly transitional days of 20th-century U.S. military ordnance production.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1191978178 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-08-09 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
505 |
SoldOutTime: |
2026-08-09 17:19:17 |
