The first thing I quickly note is the 'straight 'bolt handle and the restamped ser#.
The straight bolt handle was a trait of the very early production '03s,,the low# rifles.
The restamped ser# throws a red flag up for me on a 1903 that the ser# you now see on it could be misleading in that it could have been purposely stamped as a 'high number' to take the rifle out of the less desireable 'low#' catagory.
Going to try and add to these points from a differing point of view.
Admitting I haven't owned many 1903's, I had never seen (a factory) one with a straight bolt handle.
Here is one that is only 32k above 800,000 with the arced handle, so those with the straight handle must have been
really early.
http://www.gunbroker.com/item/604619759My initial reaction to the restamped s/n was slightly different.
Prior to 1968, if the s/n was in the way of engraving or for any other reason it was often removed. Most commonly seen on sporterized and custom Mauser rifles. No need to restamp it, as their was no requirement to have a s/n until '68.
From '68 until some time in the '80s or '90s it was common for gunsmiths to move the s/n (as on this rifle) if it were in the way of engraving or other modifications. The ATF put a stop to moving of s/n's (legally) without filing the proper forms and sending the receiver to the properly licensed (07FFL Manufacturer) to have the number moved.
So when I see a moved serial number, my first thought is 'possibly made in the '68 to early '90s' era.
This does not mean I disagee w/ Kutter, only that there are other possibilities.
