Springfield '03 A2 and A3 ???

[Chap15]

A WWII vet gave me these two Springfields. Would this one be a A2???

Springfield Armory
Serial Number 1343758
Barrel Date SA 2-30
Stock Markings RA-P (smooth but plate)
Any thoughts???

[Chap15]

Here is the second one...

Springfield Armory
Serial Number 901223
Barrel Date SA 8-44
Stock Markings RA-P (possible TA behind trigger gauard)
Thanks,

[Jack T]

Both of them are 1903's. Not A3's. One has the fingergrooves which I think were on the earlier stocks. Someone else here can probably confirm.

Jack T

[ChrisCook]

1903's

Rifle #1 (1,343,758)-
Manufactured in 1931, Standard 1903 rifle with straight stock, some rifles had a pistol grip shape in the buttstock behind the trigger, these are known as a C stock, and are given the designation 1903A1. The barrel date is close enough that it is probably the original barrel and receiver matched together.

Rifle #2- Manufactured in 1919, the later barrel date indicates a postwar refurb being done on the rifle which was common. The RA-P marking on both rifles confirms refurbishment being done postwar at the Raritan Arsenal. Finger groove stock is a WWI issue/style of stock.

Hope that helps, Chris....

[Chap15]

Very interesting...Thanks to all.