The ’03 rifles manufactured at Springfield and Rock Island were essentially identical except for markings.
![rock island arsenal model 1903 rifle circa 1919 markings rock island arsenal model 1903 rifle circa 1919 markings](http://www.freeexistence.org/images/guns/webley_mk4_left.jpg)
Rock Island, however, did not begin assembly of the modified rifles until after April 1906. Both the new bayonet and sights were designated “Model of 1905.” With the adoption of the M1905 changes, production resumed at Springfield in November 1905. In 1905, problems with the rod bayonet and the original M1903 sights resulted in the ’03 rifle being redesigned to utilize a conventional knife bayonet and improved sights. Model Of 1903 Rifle (top) and 1908-vintage Rock Island Arsenal U.S. Shown here a 1905-vintage Springfield Armory U.S. Although Rock Island was able to meet its quota of parts sufficient for 125 rifles per day by January 1905, production of complete rifles was limited.
![rock island arsenal model 1903 rifle circa 1919 markings rock island arsenal model 1903 rifle circa 1919 markings](http://www.thepaulkfamily.com/gunweb/Pictures/1903RI/1903RI_R3.jpg)
The M1903s initially made by both Springfield and Rock Island were of the “rod bayonet” pattern and chambered for the M1903 (.30-’03) cartridge.
#ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL MODEL 1903 RIFLE CIRCA 1919 MARKINGS SERIAL NUMBER#
Rock Island’s first completed M1903, serial number “1,” was not assembled until December 1904-although some parts were produced as early as May of that year. Springfield’s production proceeded relatively smoothly, but Rock Island was plagued by problems and delays. Springfield was given a production quota of 400 M1903 rifles per day, and Rock Island’s daily quota was 125. Thompson, who later gained fame as developer of the submachine gun that bore his name. The officer initially in charge of M1903 production at Rock Island was Captain John T. In early 1904, 70 skilled workers were transferred from Springfield to Rock Island to assist in setting up the rifle manufacturing program. On June 23, 1903, soon after adoption of the M1903 rifle, the commanding officer of Rock Island Arsenal was ordered to begin plans for manufacture of this new rifle. Before this could be accomplished, however, plans to adopt a new service rifle to replace the Krag resulted in a delay in establishing a rifle production line at Rock Island. In 1899, Congress appropriated funds to establish a military rifle production line at Rock Island. Rock Island fabricated a number of ordnance-related items, such as leather goods, but no small arms were produced. During this period the armory buildings were utilized primarily for storage. Between 18, five armory shops were constructed. The Rock Island Arsenal was established in 1862 on the site of a former military fort, but construction on the arsenal itself did not get underway in earnest until after the Civil War. government ordnance facility also manufactured M1903 rifles from the time of the rifle’s adoption in 1903 until just after World War I. It is sometimes forgotten, however, that another U.S. 30, Model of 1903.” Developed by the Springfield Armory and adopted in 1903, the rifle is so closely associated with that venerable National Armory in Massachusetts that when someone refers to a “Springfield rifle,” it is almost axiomatic that they are referencing the M1903. One would be hard-pressed to find an American shooter, arms collector or firearm enthusiast who is not familiar with the “ U.S. NEWS, HISTORICAL RIFLES, RIFLES, BOLT-ACTION RIFLES