Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this incredible bolt-action rifle today for a penny-start auction, this is the Rock Island Armory Model 1903 “USMC Rebuild”.
U.S. Marine Corps–rebuilt M1903 rifles, particularly those overhauled during the interwar period and into the early years of World War II, display a distinctive set of features that reflect the Corps’ meticulous approach to service rifle maintenance and battlefield readiness. These rifles frequently received replacement barrels from Springfield Armory, marked with the “SA” flaming bomb ordnance stamp and dated with the month and year. Original receivers were generally retained, with examples from both Rock Island and Springfield common, while bolts were carefully electro-penciled with serial numbers. Finishes were upgraded to a zinc-phosphate “urine color” parkerizing, offering improved corrosion resistance in harsh marine environments. When standard checkered buttplates were unavailable, Marine depots often hand-stippled smooth plates to enhance shoulder grip, ensuring reliable handling in the field. Safety was also a priority: many rifles were fitted with a Hatcher Hole in the receiver and an enlarged gas escape hole in the bolt, providing additional protection in the event of cartridge failure. Some stocks include small notches cut to accommodate the bolt handle, a practical modification to ensure smooth operation, and certain rifles display a “J” stamped in the magazine cutoff recess. Collectively, these features define the iconic USMC M1903 rebuild, exemplifying both the Corps’ practical innovation and its unwavering commitment to producing service-ready, dependable firearms.
This particular rifle exhibits all of these hallmark USMC rebuild features, confirming its history as a Marine Corps–overhauled service rifle prepared for both reliability and combat readiness. Its combination of Marine-specific traits makes it a desirable collectible for historians and military firearm enthusiasts.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Rock Island Arsenal
Model: 1903 “USMC Rebuild”
Serial: 358873
Caliber: .30-06
Finish: Parkerized
Barrel Length: 24"
Optics/Sights: Blade Front with Flip-Up Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Straight Grip Walnut Stock
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard / The top of the receiver is stamped U.S / ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL / MODEL 1903. / 358873". The bolt has been serialized using an electro-pencil. The top of the barrel is stamped “SA” over a flaming bomb and the date of manufacture “3-31". The left side of the stock -in the cutoff recess- is stamped with the letter “J”. The front sight is stamped “42”. The barrel band is stamped with the letter “U”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Model 1903 Springfield rifle, adopted by the U.S. Army in 1903, was designed as a modern, bolt-action replacement for the Krag–Jørgensen firearm. It seamlessly merged precision engineering with strength and reliability to address the evolving demands of early 20th-century warfare. The rifle first saw combat during World War I; however, production limitations meant that only a small number were delivered to frontline troops, leaving most American soldiers equipped with the M1917 Enfield. Nevertheless, the M1903 was held in high regard for its accuracy and craftsmanship, serving both in specialized combat roles and as a training rifle. By the time of World War II, the M1903 continued to serve alongside the semi-automatic M1 Garand, primarily in training, rear-echelon, and specialized units such as snipers. Early in the conflict, some U.S. Marines in the Pacific Theater were armed with M1903 rifles, although frontline units increasingly received M1 Garands as production expanded. To meet wartime demand, M1903 production was resumed through private contractors, notably Remington Arms and the Smith-Corona Typewriter Company.
Model: 1903 “USMC Rebuild”
Serial: 358873
Caliber: .30-06
Finish: Parkerized
Barrel Length: 24"
Optics/Sights: Blade Front with Flip-Up Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Straight Grip Walnut Stock
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard / The top of the receiver is stamped U.S / ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL / MODEL 1903. / 358873". The bolt has been serialized using an electro-pencil. The top of the barrel is stamped “SA” over a flaming bomb and the date of manufacture “3-31". The left side of the stock -in the cutoff recess- is stamped with the letter “J”. The front sight is stamped “42”. The barrel band is stamped with the letter “U”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Model 1903 Springfield rifle, adopted by the U.S. Army in 1903, was designed as a modern, bolt-action replacement for the Krag–Jørgensen firearm. It seamlessly merged precision engineering with strength and reliability to address the evolving demands of early 20th-century warfare. The rifle first saw combat during World War I; however, production limitations meant that only a small number were delivered to frontline troops, leaving most American soldiers equipped with the M1917 Enfield. Nevertheless, the M1903 was held in high regard for its accuracy and craftsmanship, serving both in specialized combat roles and as a training rifle. By the time of World War II, the M1903 continued to serve alongside the semi-automatic M1 Garand, primarily in training, rear-echelon, and specialized units such as snipers. Early in the conflict, some U.S. Marines in the Pacific Theater were armed with M1903 rifles, although frontline units increasingly received M1 Garands as production expanded. To meet wartime demand, M1903 production was resumed through private contractors, notably Remington Arms and the Smith-Corona Typewriter Company.
Remington began manufacturing in 1941 using tooling stored at Rock Island Arsenal since 1919. Early production rifles closely followed earlier Springfield designs; however, to enhance manufacturing efficiency and ensure durability under wartime conditions, several modifications were made. These included substituting some milled components with stamped parts, simplifying stocks by eliminating finger grooves, and redesigning the stamped cartridge follower with rounded edges to improve feeding reliability. Parts produced by Remington during this period were often marked with an “R.” Additional improvements included a new receiver-mounted aperture rear sight, which replaced the older barrel-mounted version.
Once these changes were standardized, the Army formally designated the updated rifle as the M1903A3 at approximately serial number 3,330,000. Smith-Corona also produced significant numbers of M1903A3 rifles during 1943–1944 to bolster the war effort. Today, both the M1903 and M1903A3 are celebrated by collectors, historians, and firearms enthusiasts for their fusion of precision engineering, historical significance, and battlefield versatility. Their service across two world wars, coupled with thoughtful design and production innovations, ensures they remain an enduring symbol of American military small-arms heritage and a testament to the evolution of 20th-century rifle design.
Contents:
This example will ship with the paper pictured above.
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/1152572745 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-02-08 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
1600 |
