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Hello,
I was wondering if anyone can tell me how much a 1903 gets devalued if someone drills and taps it for a modern scope? I have a line on a pretty decent rifle that is a Mark I with the slot for the Pederson Device but since it has been modified, I'm wary of getting it as it isn't a true historical weapon now....
The manufacture of the gun puts around 11-1916.
Any input is appreciated.
I generally avoid ones that have been drilled, I know the value goes way down. Also, I'm not sure of the exact dates but no Mark 1s were made before 1918.
I bought a high number Springfield 1903 to use in Vintage Sniper matches. It has been drilled for a side mounted scope, I'm having scope blocks installed for a Leatherwood clone USMC scope. The only other modification was that the butt had been sawed off straight for a recoil pad. The rifle went for $300. Unmolested, I would expect it would have gone for $700.
If you're looking at that Mark 1 as a collector piece, the drilling has hurt that. If you're buying it to shoot, the holes don't matter except you'll have a bargaining point for a lower price.
I agree with Jim. 250 to 300
someone spent 200.00 turning a 800.00 into a 200.00 rifle...
I wanted a 1903 rifle for the Vintage Sniper Match and considered using an extra 1939 dated rifle that I have. I was concerned about the devaluing that drilling/tapping would have and decided that I would not do that to a completed rifle. I had a star gaged 1932 barrel in good condition as well as an extra C stock and other parts. So I decided to seek just a receiver and approach it as a project. T least I wouldn't be altering a posibly original barreled receiver. I had my gunsmith...Bruce Dow in Dade City, Florida, install/headspace the barrel/bolt and he drilled/tapped for a late 1930's Lyman 8X Targetspot scope. The project turned out very well.
What Jim and Chuck said as of the value for an average MK I that's been D&T, but it looks like (as of now) 'schmitzzac' hasn't been back since he first inquired.
I've been back numerous times to read responses. I had a hard time getting the guy to $350 before I read the posts and now that you tell me it's only worht $250-$300, I know he isn;t going to go that low. I'm sure it's a nice gun but he isn't going to give it away.
I thank you all for the responses and educating me on the subject. I knew since it was d/t that the value went south quick!
It depends a lot on the rifle - an average M1903 or M1903A3 mixmaster, that was worth $550-650 in "unmolested" condition might be reduced to $300-350; A really nice M1903 that might be worth $2000-3000, might be worth only $800 after being D&Ted.
a nice sporterized 1903 or A3, with a nicely done Fajen or Bishop stock, good blue job, nicely done drill and tap with redfield bases and not weaver, with a good scope might bring 375.00 to 425.00
neet cal,s like 25-06, 338-06, 35W, ect may bring more.
hard to get much more then that when you can get a nice used Remington 700 or Winchester M70 for a little more money.
a 1903 or A3 still in military trim, thats drilled nicely for a redfield base...{straight} and no heavy grinding to drill the holes. might bring 425.00 to 500.00
if they ground it hard and installed weaver bases..its worth the sum of the parts,, stock, barrel, bolt ect.