Talk about luck! A nice 1903 real cheap and a great surprise in the butt trap

[rayg]

I posted this on a couple other forums because I what to toot my horn on this auction buy. I probably should have bought a lottery ticket the same day


I saw this all correct 8-09 barrel dated 1909 Springfield 1903 on an line auction site with a buy it now for $619 and I pulled the pin as it looked decent in the photos. It had a one bolt stock and grooveless handguard. Finish looked original and it had a early rear sight with the allum night sight line. No cartouche but if you have a good imagination you can see a whisper of one but the stock looks to have been boned not sanded. I have another 03 with a boned stock that looks like it. All original about 90% finish with the exception of about 4" of the front of the barrel. It is just a nice old untouched 1909 Springfield except for the boned stock.
As I took the rifle apart to clean it and I found a surprise in the butt trap.
An original wooden spare parts plug with the spare parts. Not bad, all for the $619 price. I couldn't have been happier because you never know what you get without a hands on exam, Ray

[rayg]

The Surprise and the barrel date that matches the receiver number. There must have been something covering the barrel end that gathered moisture. The bluing under the wood is 100%. Ray

[Rick the Librarian]

Quick! Go out and buy a lottery ticket!!

[browningautorifle]

Maybe it had a muzzle cover for a few years. That would gather moisture. Sure would be nice to find that odd and scarce extra.

[ABPOS]

Nice rifle!!!! It's nice to catch a break sometimes.

[Mike D]

I have only a few '03's in the stable, but nothing original. I'm jealous! Nice find!

[Promo]

Does the rifle has the rear sight collar which is open on the bottom? Nice rifle by the way, congratulations!

[rayg]

It has a full collar which would be correct for a 1909 date 03. That is the year they changed from the split to the full collar, Ray