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Thread: Originality/value of Springfield and RIA 1903

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    Legacy Member rdfact's Avatar
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    Originality/value of Springfield and RIA 1903

    Hi guys,
    I am contemplating buying one or both of these rifles wanted to inquire on how period correct they are, or partial rebuilds, and fair market price. Both apparently have nice bores.
    Thanks for any info you can provide.

    Rock Island SN 347xxx. C stock with SN stamped onto butt stock. An original RIA would not have had a C stock, correct? Stock looks glossy. Leather sling.







    Springfield Armory 1903 SN 1,344,xxx.




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    Legacy Member Fred G.'s Avatar
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    Neither one is close to what they were when they first came off of the assembly line. However they're shooters.

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    Legacy Member rdfact's Avatar
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    Thread Starter
    Thanks for the reply.
    Any idea of fair market price for shooters in this condition?
    Is an RIA worth more than a Springfield?

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    Legacy Member Fred G.'s Avatar
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    I've no idea what such rifles go for. Sorry.
    Whichever type of 03 is more desirable depends on the buyer. So does the price.
    The Value of a 1903 depends on who is wanting it. The person or persons willing to pay for a thing of course determines what that thing is actually worth at any moment. Regardless of what price is quoted. If nobody is willing to pay a price for a thing, then it can reasonably be stated that the item for sale isn't worth the price being asked.
    I often am willing to pay a price that others do not want to pay. I expect that to happen and I count on it in prder to be able to obtain a thing. I'm not in the game to make money and so I buy to own.
    Others here will be able to give you prices that they've seen on such rifles though. I just haven't paid attention to what some call the ongoing market.

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    Legacy Member martin08's Avatar
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    I agree that they are rebuilds, but it is difficult to place a value from the limited information and pictures. Barrel markings and dates are important. Bolt markings are important. Both are high number receivers with double heat treat process, and would be considered as safe to shoot. They are probably at least $400 guns, but they are probably not $800 guns.

    Perhaps it would be best to know the asking price?

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    Legacy Member rdfact's Avatar
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    Seller is asking $850 for the RIA and $800 for the SA.

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    Legacy Member martin08's Avatar
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    Money seems a little on the strong side for shooter grade in the current market.

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    Legacy Member henry r's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Fred G. View Post
    I'm not in the game to make money and so I buy to own.
    i really like your attitude, most of the time i don't have the $ to back that up with the prices i pay, but 98% of what i buy is to own, not to flip. the other 2% is generally for future swaps not for quick $.

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    We'd have to have more information about each rifle. Barrel date, condition, etc. With the little knowledge we have, I'd say the rifles are $100-150 over what they are worth. I agree that neither is in original condition.
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    Legacy Member bonnie's Avatar
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    These do look like probable decent shooters. If all else is the same; bore, muzzle, metal finish, etc., I personally prefer a finger groove stock. However the C stock would handle better if doing any CMPicon match shooting.

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