Date on 1903 barrel. What does it mean.

Thanks everyone the the advice and insight. What is your thoughts on some of the reference books from Amazon? There are several on the springfields and some that cover them and then some.

Probably many will disagree, however, IMHO most of the reference books on the O3 are not good. You can learn more here than anywhere else and it's free. There are also some stickies above that have more correct information on these rifles that you can find anywhere else. John Beard frequents this form and has touched and graded more 1903 and A3 rifles than anyone on Earth. Rick the Librarian is another gold mine of information and a willing contributor.

Sakorick I will agree with you on the knowledge on this forum seems invaluable. I have learned quite a bit from it already. When I have a question I come here. Books are sometimes easier for me to thumb around and browse in the evenings. Not that this site is not easy to browse.

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Originally Posted by Walch

Sakorick I will agree with you on the knowledge on this forum seems invaluable. I have learned quite a bit from it already. When I have a question I come here. Books are sometimes easier for me to thumb around and browse in the evenings. Not that this site is not easy to browse.

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Don't mind my bad spelling.

If I were going to recommend a couple of M1903 books, it would probably be Canfield's 2004 ed of his M1903 book and Beophy. Both have flaws, but less than some others.[COLOR="black"]

Thanks Rick. In glad to hear Canfield, I have his M1 Garand/M1 Carbine book and enjoyed it I found it easy to read and detailed. Thanks for the suggestions I have heard good things about Brophys books also.

Many 1903s were returned when M1s were issued. These were often rebuilt and put in coz and linen then stored for future use. This is the history of mine which has an 8-43 barrel on a 1932 receiver. I had the thrill of unwrapping this beauty. Barrels were often replaced due to the nature of the primers used at that time. Most likely, the real damage to the barrel was the use of steel cleaning rods at the muzzle end.

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Originally Posted by jdmcomp

Many 1903s were returned when M1s were issued. These were often rebuilt and put in coz and linen then stored for future use. This is the history of mine which has an 8-43 barrel on a 1932 receiver. I had the thrill of unwrapping this beauty. Barrels were often replaced due to the nature of the primers used at that time. Most likely, the real damage to the barrel was the use of steel cleaning rods at the muzzle end.

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I bet you couldn't unwrap it fast enough!