need info on Springfield 1903

[SOLO LOBO]

I just got a like new SF.1903. It has super nice wood, re-parked,
and has a new barrel. This is all said to have been done at the armory?
Because this was a color guard gun?
But, the new barrel has no markings on the end where they should be.
I have not looked under the wood yet. But, does this hender the guns value?
Any info would help.
By-the-way, I gave $800./ for it. Good/Bad?

 

[nicholst55]

Re: need info on Springfield 1903

The barrel is an aftermarket barrel, if it has no markings behind the front sight. That definitely (negatively) effects the value.

 

[LngRngShtr]

Re: need info on Springfield 1903

Not knowing the history of the rifle and it possibly being a color guard gun I would get its head space checked before <span style="font-weight: bold">anything else</span> if it was intended to always be a parade rifle it is possible the barrel was just set on and not set up if you know what I mean... Also there are what are called "Low Number" '03 Springfields I don't have the SN ranges OTOMH but I am sure a search will turn up the SN ranges in question.

Enjoy your piece of history,... I have 4 of them in various setups from Milspec to total custom all in '06

John

 

[1943m1garand]

Re: need info on Springfield 1903

What receiver? Is this an A1 or A3?

 

[SOLO LOBO]

Re: need info on Springfield 1903

It is a A1 rec.

-Mike

 

[1943m1garand]

Re: need info on Springfield 1903

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: XARMOR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Check the SN on the rifle:

The SN numbers here are any rifle below 800,000 for Springfield Armory and 286,506 for Rock Island Armory. The reason these rifles are considered unsafe to fire is due to improper heat treatment when they were manufactured, they may not handle the pressures of todays ammunition. Also if it is an ex drill rifle it may be a receiver reweld, have a gunsmith check out the receiver and headspace as stated in the post above. </div></div>

+1
I was about to add the same information but did not know the serial numbers. Also, these rifles were desinged for M2 ball and not SAAMI .30-06. Stick with surplus ammunition becuase the pressure is lower. Also the rifle was likely rebarreled becuase it was used to fire blanks, most of which historically, were corrosive. Don't fire this weapon until it is checked.

 

[donws2]

Re: need info on Springfield 1903

If it was a Color Guard gun I.E. a Drill and Ceremony Rifle then it may have been a deactivated weapon. You need to pull the receiver out of the stock and look for signs of the old barrel/receiver having been welded together. Even though it's been reparked you should see a discolored area were a weld was. If it was a welded rifle it may not be safe to shoot. Donald