Possible US Navy Model 1903

[RCS]

An old friend found this rifle at a small gun show in GA around 2004 and called me. I was interested in the TENN stamp on
the stock and told him to buy it for me. This rifle came from the CMP. The serial number range is among known USN issue
rifles and the barrel date is SA 3-18 (nice bore too). The receiver has the Hatcher hole and the bolt (was replaced) is NS.

The stock markings would indicate to me - that the markings are US Navy - but still without a positive "hit" from SRS

[Phil McGrath]

I think that's a safe bet.

[RCS]

I have another possible USN/USMC 1903 rifle from the USS Mississippi from the pre WW2 period. Note the special cartouche stamp used on the stock. Back in 2005, I found another rifle also with the same USS MISS stamp on jouster and took the enclosed photo to add to my photos

none of my photos will download but the photo from 2005 of anther USS MISS marked stock did download so you have an idea what this looks loke

[RCS]

here is one of my photoshttp://oi65.tinypic.com/2wgu0ys.jpg

[RCS]

http://oi65.tinypic.com/2wgu0ys.jpg

[Phil McGrath]

My own personal opinion is that they had a better chance of serving on the USS Mississippi BB-41 not the earlier USS Mississippi BB-23. And my reasoning is that the Marine complement would have been larger for the second ship. Back then Marine's on sea duty were used too not just for gunnery but also too keep Sailors in check and bigger ships have more Sailors and more guns that needed manning.

That's my thinking.......

[RCS]

The stocks are both cartouched D.A.L. and the USS MISS round stamp is dated 1928 and 1930 which is from BB-41 as the BB-23 was decommissioned in 1914 long before these stocks were manufactured.

Here is a photo of an early RocK Island single bolt stock with a faint 1908 cartouche. Note the AT 21 stamp which is the USN designator for the USS Bagaluce (ocean going tug from WW1)
the action is a 64K early Rock Island with a 1907 dated barrel. Last photo is after BLO

[Phil McGrath]

Sweet! Where did you hide the time machine again..

[RCS]

The reason the stock looks so dry is that it was covered with a heavy coat of white paint. After I very carefully removed the paint, I used the
BLO. I believe this rifle was for ceremonial duty, hence the white paint which also protected the stock markings. The bore is excellent too

[Phil McGrath]

I was holding out for the time machine so I could mooch a ride.

[RCS]

Here are some shovel covers also related to the USN/USMC with the ship markings.

I have since forgot what the MD marking is for ? think it might be marine detachment ?

[Phil McGrath]

That would be my guess too keep issued item separate, there were still Naval Raiding Parties.