This unaltered Rock Island Arsenal Model 1903 bolt action N.R.A sales rifle was originally manufactured in 1910. This rifle is marked with the distinctive Ordnance shell and flame insignia over "N.R.A." underneath the front of the trigger guard assembly to differentiate it from the standard issued service rifles. These N.R.A. marked rifles were available only to N.R.A. members prior to U.S. entry into World War I. Very few N.R.A. marked Rock Island Arsenal M1903 rifles are seen, as Rock Island Arsenal ceased all rifle production in 1913 making their availability very limited. All N.R.A. sales rifles were brand new (never rebuilt or altered) and subjected to stringent inspection criteria to include hand selection of the rifle based on the beauty of the wood components for color and uniformity, overall high grade blue finish and Star Gauging of the barrel to ensure land and groove uniformity for the best possible accuracy. These rifles were intended for National Match shooting prior to World War I. The top of the barrel is stamped "R.I.A." above the Ordnance shell and flame insignia and the date "8-10", and the receiver has the standard four-line markings above the serial number. The underside of the barrel has the steel lot code of "C78/P". Lyman blade front sight with the correct early musket rear sight with dished windage and elevation knobs and a polished face with a 2,850 yard volley notch. Straight handled bolt with a small gas hole. The safety and cutoff levers are correctly color casehardened. It is fitted with a beautiful straight grip, finger groove "S" pattern walnut stock with a large "S" stamped on the tip, one reinforcing bolt and a crisp boxed script "C.N./1910" (Conrad Nelson) inspection cartouche on the left of the wrist. There is a small "L" sub-inspector proof behind the trigger guard followed by a crisp script "P" firing proof. The buttstock is fitted with a finely checkered blued steel buttplate. It has the Rock Island Arsenal high polish rust blued finish on the various components as well as the unique Rock Island Arsenal deep oil-quenched blackish finish on the receiver, (very different from Springfield models and very fragile). The stock and handguard have the hand rubbed linseed oil finish.

Very good plus, retains 30% original blue and oil-quenched finish on the metal components, strongest on the barrel, barrel bands, rear sight and bolt, with the balance turned to a smooth brown and gray patina with strong traces of original blue finish on the floorplate, and sharp markings in the metal overall. Stock is excellent with crisp grasping grooves, defined edges, some light scratches and handling marks, and a crisp cartouche and proof. Mechanically excellent. This Rock Island Arsenal Model 1903 N.R.A. sales rifle would make a fine addition to any U.S. Military or Model 1903 rifle collection!