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Hi New To Forums
Hi im new to the forums and I recently purchased a Springfield 1903 Sporter. The serial # 1266919 and I was hoping someone could help verify it. I am new to the 1903's and I am not sure of all the things to look for.
I think I got a good deal on it, the biggest problem with it is someone replaced the buttplate with a padded one.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...00fc612e-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...98aec1c8-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...e94993c2-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...7ab4cfb3-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...a1032cef-1.jpg
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Your rifle is mentioned on the Springfield Research Service list as an NRA Sporter, sold (probably at the National Matches on August 28, 1925. Although your pictures don't show a lot, what I can see looks legit to me. Is there an etched serial number on the bottom of the bolt body?
I see a star gauge barrel and a correct bolt - a WL3? The D&T may have been done at a later time and somebody with more expertise can most likely tell you what kind of scope.
Can I ask how much you paid?
And, last, but not least, welcome to the forum!
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Thank you for the welcome and the information. The bolt is stamped with WL3 with a upside down K. The serial number is not etched on the bolt though.
I purchased it from a local gun shop for $275.00, the owner thought it was just a hacked up 1903. Now that I know that its probably legit I need to find an original butt plate for it. I can post more pictures of it if you want.
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Now that I think of it, the rifle may be too early to have had the etched serial number.
$275.00?? Even with a replacement buttpad, you STOLE that rifle!! Make sure you make sure your name and picture don't end up in the "wanted" area of your local post office for grand larceny!!! :D
You have a classic case of "knowledge is power"!! Nice snag! There are several other people on this forum that know more about NRA Sporters than I do that hopefully, will chime in with more information. I'd be curious to know what type of scope the blocks are for.
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In a way I kinda feel guilty about it but its fading.:D Im actually pretty excited about this purchase. Now if I can find anyone who knows of any replacement or original butt plates for this rifle that would be great.
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The key would be if the stock has been changed as a result of adding the buttpad. If it has, you may be out of luck.
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The stock doesnt look like its been modified for the butt pad. The butt pad thats on it is a vintage Jostam Anti-Flinch Pad. So hopefully it was just swapped on to it.
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You might take it off and have a look, before you search too hard for another replacement. Still, a great score!
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Yep I will have to look at it a little bit more before I do to much searching for a replacement butt plate.
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Welcome to the forum! Sounds like you got a hell of a deal. :thup:
I see the bolt has been modified for a scope. That might help determine which one was once used. Also, measure the spacing between the blocks, center to center.
Mike