Books: Manufacture of the Model 1903 & The Rock Island 03'

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Originally Posted by Rick the Librarian

John contributed a "chunk" of C.S. Ferris' later RIA book, but not enough to be listed as a co-author. Nick brought out the "update about 2007 or so, if memory serves. It is called "Rock Island Rifle Model 1903". Scott Duff published it - not sure if it is in print, but fairly easy to find on the "used"market.....

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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 :) .

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.

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Originally Posted by Rick the Librarian

Try Googling the title of the "Manufacture" book.

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The price is insane! I don't understand why so much. I thought Mr. Brophys book is overpriced and I'm been trying to find one of his for a while that I can afford.

(The Springfield 1903 Rifles by William S Brophy Usar)

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Originally Posted by usabaker

.... I thought Mr. Brophys book is overpriced and I'm been trying to find one of his for a while that I can afford.

(The Springfield 1903 Rifles by William S Brophy Usar)

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There is one of Brophys books on ebay now with bid at $45. Least expensive I've seen in an online store is $58. .... both outside my 'budget'.

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:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rick the Librarian

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:

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Good grief! That's insane! I have a copy of the "Production and Alteration" book signed by CS Ferris. Must be worth $500! I need to get JB to sign it as well and it'll fetch $1000!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rick the Librarian

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!!

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I got lucky! the pair for $56.00 + $5.50 shipping

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