Springfield 1903 Mark I, New Purchase

[EddieB]

Ok, here goes, its going to be a long one (with lots of pictures), sorry. I have just started getting into these beauties. I was just thinking, "man I wish that I knew someone that could help me get started and learn more about these guns quickly". I know, read, read, read, and I will do that, but I am more a people person. So I figured there are a LOT of knowledgeable people on Milsurps.com, hey wait a minute, why don't I post and see what happens.

Any good books, websites or just general information are all welcome.

So here is the story. I recently found a local auction house and when going to look at another gun, I saw this one. Figured I would make a bid (or 2 or 3 or 7) on it and see what happened. Well She became mine.

Springfield 1903 Mark I built in 1919 (based on serial #, which also makes it a safe one to shoot.). There is a B on the magazine floor plate, it is pinned and a serial number on the stock, so it looks like a CMP sold Greek "return". The trigger and fire selector unfortunately are NOT the version for the Pederson Device (if it was wouldn't that be a great find for my 1st one ). The stock looks like it is an 03-A3 walnut and that typical "black" of the Greek guns (or so I hear). Looks like it has been rebarreled in 10-43. Riffling looks better in the picture than I think it really is (but my eyes are bad, so who knows), I think it is ok/weak.

So here are the issues that I have had with the gun, the magazine didn't sit into the stock quite far enough, so it had some feed problems, figured that out. The rear sight also was "loose", found an article that recommended pinning (hope I spelled that right), didn't want to alter the gun and that NOT be the issue. I came up with a simple solution, I know it isn't permanent, but it is repeatable. I wrapped the sight post in teflon tape! Worked like a charm.

So any thoughts, observations, recommendations or more requested pictures? Feel free. Also would be interested in what everyone thinks would be the value range. So here are all the pictures.

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Thanks for any and all input. I think I have a problem, because I also purchased a 1917 a few days later that I happened to stumble upon. If this thread goes well, maybe I will post a followup.

Information

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[Rick the Librarian]

Your Mark I has been overhauled and reassembled with mixed parts. The barrel is original but that's about it.

[supercub]

Your Mark I has been overhauled and reassembled with mixed parts. The barrel is original but that's about it.

? 10-43

[Fred G.]

That would be 10-42. So, all you have from a 1903 Mark I is the receiver.

[EddieB]

So what value range am i looking at. Not looking to sell but would like to know for possible future purchases of new1903s. I paid 450 and am really in it for a shooter and part of history. I originally thought i didn't do to bad but now i am starting to doubt that.

[supercub]

If it shoots ok for you then you did just fine. It's not a collectable and if it was you probably wouldn't shoot it. It's a good example of the 1903 and have fun with it. As to future purchases, that will depend on what you want to do, collect, shoot or invest.

Good luck

[EddieB]

Ok. So about right for that gun, that is good news. As for the future, at least I will be able to "classify" them a little better. I always like to shoot my guns even if it is only once in awhile.

I really appreciate all the comments,so much to learn.

[Rick the Librarian]

? 10-43

Sorry ...I thought he said the BARREL was 1919. Yes, the barrel is a replacement.

[supercub]

Sorry ...I thought he said the BARREL was 1919. Yes, the barrel is a replacement.

I just got in from the garage after cleaning a couple rifles....saw 10-42, 10-43 and original....thought I needed to go clean more guns..sniff, sniff...lol

[CINDERS]

Buying is controlled by a few things; your desire to own it; the depth of your wallet; how much you really spent V's where your cut off point is; the research into the rifle and whether it fits your area of interest; lastly the MFWAF. As I can honestly say I have been caught at an auction once paying a bit more (not much) than what I wanted to spend. Any purchase is an individual thing but knowledge on the subject matter will prepare you and hopefully avoid the looks nice but......and hopefully pick up a sleeper cheap like I did with my 1916 Lithgow 5MD Mk III it is 90% correct and I brought it for $100.00/AU spent more on period and correct Military District 1916 acrutements for the darn thing !!!!