Springfield 1903 Mark I, New Purchase

[Jason60chev]

As for references, probably the BEST book is "The Springfield 1903 Rifles" by William Brophy. Commonly just called "The Brophy Book". It is hardbound and a wealth of information about the 1903 Rifles. Well worth having. There are a few other 1903 reference books, too. You may want to eventually get them all, as one is just not enough and some have errors. If you want to collect the 1903, I would suggest determining what the scope of your collection would be....One of each year; one of each type; NM rifles; WWI period: 1920s, etc. I am putting together a collection from 1928 through 1942, which encompasses 15 rifles. My determining criteria to look at a rifle is if the serial number date matches or is close to the barrel date. I only need one or two more rifles. Saying that.......I also have a Rock Island; an all original Mk I; An very nice '03A3 and an excellent documented 1932 NM rifle. What I do not have is an original WWI period rifle. Even though you set a collecting goal, items outside that goal may present themselves that you will want to consider. Dont be in a hurry. LEARN as much about the rifles and their markings as you can. Take notes or take a small reference book to gun shows. Buy the best original, quality pieces that you can afford. All of the members of this forum are excellent people who will gladly help you. Have fun!

[Rick the Librarian]

And, while it is a good idea to have "collecting goals", it is very important to keep in mind that this is a hobby and it's supposed to be fun!! I see too many people (especially us retirees) who see collecting as another "job"!

While I do like M1903s, especially pre-WWI rifles and Remington M1903s, I've also managed to pick up British Enfields, a Swiss K31, a Mosin/Nagent, a Martini-Henry, an Israeli Mauser and several other things which have caught my fancy. I like to shoot and I've even started reloading.

[Jason60chev]

Ah, Rick......you bring up those other rifles.........I, too,have caught Milsurpitis.........currently 17 1903's; 10 M1 Garands; US 1917; US M1 Carbine; Enfiled #I MkIII*; 1944 K98k; VZ24; 1916 Austrian M95; Steyr M95M (8mm); Egyptian Hakim; VZ52 Czech Rifle; SIno Soviet SKS; Russian SVT-40; 3 Mosin Nagants; M38 Mosin Nagant carbine; FR-8; STeyr M95 cut down carbine; US 1884 Trapdoor; MAS 1949; .....seems like I am trying to acquire 1 of everything! Oh....and the pistols/revolvers.......about the same number with no duplicates, except for the Russian Nagant. And ammo; Good Lord! Some of these rifles require hand loading because ammo is not really available. But, as you state....Fun, Fun, Fun!!!!!!....just don't become over-run by it!