The book is still available new (although the copyright page gives the most recent printing as 2003) -- the copy I ordered last week arrived today :) .
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JB will publish a book on the '03 after he retires. It will likely deal with the many myths surrounding the rifle. Should be fun reading.
Try Googling the title of the "Manufacture" book.
The "Manufacture" book was published (as I understand it) in extremely small quantities, which is (was?) the reason, I assume for the high price.
If you want to REALLY see a book that has increased in value, try finding a copy of C.S. Ferris' and John Beard's Springfield Model 1903 Service Rifle: Production and Alteration, 1905-1910, which details the many changes made to the M1903 during its early years. A small, 66-page book which is still (IMHO) the best book on this subject. Used copies go from $100 to $260!!
I believe the book originally was privately published by C.S. Ferris and, I believe, sold for something like $7.50. The heck with mutual funds, the stock market, etc.! I should have invested in these books and bought a gross!
The only similar book that comes to mind is Charles Clawson's "small" book on the M1911 ... which sold for about $35.00 8-10 years ago. Now, copies run (when you can find them) in the $500 range!! :madsmile:
I got lucky! the pair for $56.00 + $5.50 shipping
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