M1903 Finish question??

[CaptSimon]

Hello,

I was thinking about bidding on this: Springfield 03A3 , 30-06 1903 : Bolt Action Rifles at GunBroker.com
I was curious as to if the finish is original? Based on the pics is there anything i should be worried about? Any help is appreciated.

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[vintage hunter]

I was curious as to if the finish is original?

Nope. Been re-blued by someone who didn't know what they was doing. Rounded edges and distorted lettering/numbering are a dead give away. Might make a descent shooter if bore is good. No collector value at all.

[Salt Flat]

In addition to what Vintage hunter wrote I will add that the stock is badly worn and cracked at the rear tang. The serial number is not readable. I would pass on this one. Salt Flat

[Rick the Librarian]

Actually, I can read the serial number quite well. The rifle has definitely fallen on hard times. Probably a foreign M1903.

[Salt Flat]

Actually, I can read the serial number quite well. The rifle has definitely fallen on hard times. Probably a foreign M1903.

I guess I was looking at picture 6. The S/n in picture 5 shows much better. Salt Flat

[CaptSimon]

Well I bid on it and won, and thanks to Rick the Librarian, I just got a 1919 National Match rifle.

[Rick the Librarian]

In a manner of speaking ... it started out as one. It's like one of those Russian Grand Dukes, who, after the Russian Revolution, ended up living in a seedy hotel in the wrong side of Paris!

(Sorry, I'm watching Downton Abbey!) LOL!!

[vintage hunter]

Well, good to know it has one redeeming feature at least. Poor little thing.

[CaptSimon]

I wont know anymore utill its in my hands, however my dad bought and sold guns and I have for ~7 years and in my travels I've had fine looking rifles that had crap bores and broken/missing parts and horrific looking rifles which turned out to be excellent shooters , so it goes to show you cant judge a book by its cover.