Old rifles

[twistedsquid]

I inherited two old rifles after my father's passing, a 1916 Rock Island 1903 and a 1926 Remington falling block 22. Provided they pass inspection by our local gunsmith, would these be safe to fire given their age? My research resulted in differing opinions. All input appreciated.

[cbtengr]

I got ahold of an old bolt action .22 when I was a kid, I cleaned it up and took it my old neighbor who was experienced in shooting. He mounted the rifle in a tire on the ground and attached a long string to the trigger the rifle was loaded cocked and ready to fire. The last thing he did was place a paper lunch bag over the breech. We got a safe distance from the rifle and pulled the string, the bag was instantly shredded and the round never got further than a couple of inches down the barrel. I am pretty sure he knew the outcome before the trigger was ever pulled but was wise in taking me through the process. Made a helluva an impression on this 8 year old boy, one that was never forgotten. Good luck!

[JJ_BPK]

My cuz had a 22 rem falling block, fired fine, sights were lacking, but it was 22 short.

[RCummings]

Those fine rifles would be safe to do exactly what your father did with them to include the years that he did it. Much respect to him.

V/R

Bob

[Pete]

Got one of each and they both fire good.

[mojaveman]

Lucky you. Had a few M1903A3s but never an M1903.

[PRB]

Yeah they are safe if cared for...I shoot an 1896 Colt Single action that was converted to .38 special in 1931....they went smokeless mid year about serial number 175k.
Not an issue...they are good for modern ammo if in good shape...within specs.

[The Reaper]

Check the serial number on the '03 to make sure it isn't one of the ones in the range of the bad heat treat.

I would make sure that I did not use the wrong round in the .22 falling block. If it is chambered for a .22 Short or a .22 Long, do not use a .22 Long Rifle, even if it fits. The higher pressure can cause the locking piece to fail and open under the excessive pressure.

Beautiful pieces, if they pass inspection, they should be treasured heirlooms and a joy to shoot.

TR

[twistedsquid]

TR. This is exactly why I was asking. When I received the rifle in May I ran the serial number (62593) and found it to be a very early issue and within the range of the suspect heat treatment. The 1903 community is divided regarding the safe firing of weapons within the range. Many suggest the issue is overstated and others suggest not to fire the weapon. There is lots of government data that concludes the failure rate is negligible and may be the result of early ammunition. Fire it or hang it on a wall? That is the dilemma.

[The Reaper]

TR. This is exactly why I was asking. When I received the rifle in May I ran the serial number (62593) and found it to be a very early issue and within the range of the suspect heat treatment. The 1903 community is divided regarding the safe firing of weapons within the range. Many suggest the issue is overstated and others suggest not to fire the weapon. There is lots of government data that concludes the failure rate is negligible and may be the result of early ammunition. Fire it or hang it on a wall? That is the dilemma.

That is your dilemma.

Look at where the bolt and receiver sit in regards to your face and and hands. Only you can decide what you want to do.

There may be ways to MPI or Magnaflux it to look for issues, but you are in the affected range, and will always potentially be holding a weak receiver next to your hand and face. Could hold together just fine for 10,000 rounds, or might come apart with the next one.

If I could not confirm that it was GTG, I would not shoot it. At the most, maybe a couple of relatively low-powered rounds for old times sake just to say you did it, but even that carries some risk.

They will look much better intact and will be things to be proud of and to display. You are fortunate to have them. Enjoy your heirlooms.

Be safe, best of luck.

TR

[twistedsquid]

Thanks, TR.