Question about 1903 Springfield

[muleman69]

I have an Excellent looking 1903 serial #1311xxx and would like to know the year it was made? Were all these reconditioned at one point as it looks to have maybe three real faint A's burnt in to stock ? What would be a good asking price ? I would give it a very good rating ,very nice rifle to say the least.

 

[mmcu]

Year made is 1929.

 

[ebb]

I was looking at 1903s and decided i could not afford one at their current prices. I eventually bought a drill rifle that came in a kit with all the parts to rebuild it and a NOS barrel and stock. In the time I was looking i never saw one in any condition for less than $1700.

 

[sneakboxer]

I'd do some research on the CMP forum. I got my rack grade for $650. She is rough, but shoots well. The CMP collector guys pay premiums for weird markings and numbers. Too much for me to keep track of. It might be worth it to see what you got before you list it. Good luck with your sale!

 

[Herzo]

Just picked up 1903 that had been sporterized and am in the process of picking up the parts necessary to build a sniper. Interesting that the receiver is a Springfield mfgd in 1928 while the barrel is a Rock Island DTD 10-18 with the front sight and an excellent bore. What metal that I have is in 90% condition, but the rear sight is missing and the sight mount was ground down. Fortunately, gunpartscorp had an aftermarket "C" stock and those parts that I was unable to find during my annual sojourn to Perry.
It won't be a bargain build, but there's a lot of satisfaction in bringing one of these back.

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

Speaking of 1903 questions... this safety appears to be heavily modified. this is about as good a picture as I can find. Any input will be appreciated.

 

[SBS]

Speaking of 1903 questions... this safety appears to be heavily modified. this is about as good a picture as I can find. Any input will be appreciated.

Looks like you have an aftermarket safety made for a scoped rifle. Be glad you've got it; none made any longer that I'm aware of and Ebay scalpers want big bucks for them now. Several companies made them in the past during the heyday of Springfield sporterizing, Buehler being the most common.

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

Looks like you have an aftermarket safety made for a scoped rifle. Be glad you've got it; none made any longer that I'm aware of and Ebay scalpers want big bucks for them now. Several companies made them in the past during the heyday of Springfield sporterizing, Buehler being the most common.

thank you SBS.

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

OK, on older 1903s built 1920-30s. there is a scalloped portion of metal on the metal piece in front of the receiver. It is the section that houses the rear sight. It must be part of the barrel because I cannot imagine there being a middle piece between the barrel and receiver. So, when did this 'scalloped' disappear from the mfg of the 1903s? I think the WWII produced 1903s do not have it anymore??

 

[JSH]

They are pressed on and have a pin that holds them in place to keep from turning.
There are numerous places that can fill you in on cartouche markings and differences in pieces a d parts.
I have burnt a lot of midnight oil researching milsurps of various makes and models.

 

[SBS]

Model 1903 rifles had a ladder type rear sight mounted on the barrel. When the rifle was revised to become the 1903A3 model (early in the WWII production), the rear sight became a peep type mounted on the receiver bridge. The barrel contour & the t/g changed also, along with a number of small changes designed primarily to speed production. The peep definitely improved accuracy. The stamped t/g was lighter, which made up for discontinuing the lightning cuts on the receiver, shroud and bolt -- which were time consuming. Many of these changes were gradual and examples of receivers and parts reflect that.

 

[danny]

Looks like you have an aftermarket safety made for a scoped rifle. Be glad you've got it; none made any longer that I'm aware of and Ebay scalpers want big bucks for them now. Several companies made them in the past during the heyday of Springfield sporterizing, Buehler being the most common.

What is "big bucks"?

Danny

 

[SBS]

Check Ebay when one of the quality low safeties is offered, such as Buehler or Redfield, perhaps a few others. Numrich has offered some cheap cast ones for years, but they are not very good about staying put in the shroud.