Anyone know of a fast way to date such a rifle?
Serial No 157xx

BOHA

quote:

Originally posted by boha:
Anyone know of a fast way to date such a rifle?
Serial No 157xx

BOHA

Oops, is it a medium bore?

The date is a coded set of numbers on the underside of the barrel.

Most 1903's were made between 1903 and 1923. Rifles with a 5 digit serial number would have been made during the latter half.

There is some evidence that a few 1903's may have been made on special order after 1923, but these would be extremely rare.

I will look up some info on translating the date codes.

I still think military, so anything 8mm and under is small bore.

The date code should look something like 6543.21. This would indicate that the rifle was the 6543rd rifle that was proofed in (19)21.

Thanks! Always thought never to disassemble it but this makes it almost compulsory.

Boha

Make sure you only use European thin, non tapered screw bits. Otherwise you will do unrepairable damage to the heads.

Yep. I could not live after such a damage. Waited too long for one of these..

Boha