Inherited a Springfield sporter .. questions?

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05-04-2010, 10:01 PM
Mark M

Inherited a Springfield sporter .. questions?

Dear friends, I recently inherited a Springfield sporter from my Dad who had it given to him as a gift. When he had it given to him it would have been between 1959-61? He told me he had never fired a shot out of it since he owned it and neither did his Uncle who he got it from. I am not sure but I think he bought it, or won it at a Gunshow. Would it be safe to use for hunting or worth more as is? Details are as follows: Stamped on the barrel just after the action, U.S.
SPRINGFIELD
ARMOURY
MODEL 1903
876xxx

On the top of the barrel (mid stock) C120
On the underside of the barrel about 3" from the tip is the letter P
On the bolt handle is the stamp N.S. (just below the sight)
It has a REDFIELD peep sight

Is there any other markings I should look for? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
05-04-2010, 11:53 PM
Calif-Steve

Is there a tiny little asterisk stamp on the muzzle of the rifle? Could you possibly post 1-2 photos of the rifle. Also, what type of stock does it have? Just below the front sight you should find SA and 11-18. Correct? Sounds nice and it is a very safe rifle to use. Lucky you.
05-05-2010, 01:19 AM
Mark M

4 Attachment(s)

Springfield sporter 1903

Here are some pics. As you see the front sight is different from some of the Springfield sporters I have seen. I can find no markings on the front sight. It is in excellent condition. Any guesses on the history or what the markings and seriel number means? Also, what would be an estimate on value of this type of gun? Just in case I want to sell it sometime. I really appreciate your input on this guys.
05-05-2010, 03:16 AM
218bee

Nice old Sporter...Most likely a 1950's-era conversion...Probably a Bishop or Fajen stock....(might be marked on buttplate)...As to value, the collector aspect has been greatly reduced, but it sounds like you have some quality parts on it...The NS bolt is probably worth $100-150 alone, Redfield sights are around $50.00, and and Calif-Steve was aluding to it maybe having a star-guarged barrel...(muzzle marking)...but it looks like maybe the barrel was cut down....Like he asked, is there a barrel date anywhere around the front sight?

Value....around $200-$300, I would think...
05-05-2010, 07:26 AM
Mark M

The only thing that I thought might mean some type of date would have been the C120 on the top of the barrel? Any ideas on manufacture dates or anything else? Thanks for the help!
05-05-2010, 08:50 AM
218bee

There's a great website called Vishooters. Admittedly, I have been having trouble getting to it lately, but if you google it, you should get there....It will give serial # dates, proper original parts for that rifle, etc....Many top-shelf collectors have added to it's database...Some nice pictures as well..Highly recommended...

The C120 MIGHT....(emphasis on might) be a star-guage code/marking...They were stamped on the top (12 o'clock position on USGI 1903's, and underneath at 6 o'clock on factory NRA Sporters....There was also SOMETIMES a small star-guage round stamp on the muzzle face...This is what Calif-Steve was asking...Not every barrel has the muzzle stamp...I have an SRS-papered NRA Sporter with the barrel code stamp, but with no muzzle stamp...Also a 1934 NM rifle with barrel stamp and no muzzle stamp...The barrel stamp seem to be a constant and muzzle stamp seems hit or miss...

Try vishooters and you'll be pleasantly surprised and many questions will be answered..

Regards

218bee
05-05-2010, 09:14 AM
Rick the Librarian

The C120 is probably the barrel's steel lot code.
05-05-2010, 10:37 AM
Chuckindenver

C120 is the heat lot. NS is a Nickle steel bolt. if your barrel is still 24 inches long, id bet the date is under the front sight, and id bet its high temp attached..{dont try and remove it} its been through the rebuild at least once, and had a Hatcher hole added.
if the bore is nice. and the headspace checks out...shoot it!!
id run a brush and patch down the hole first.
05-06-2010, 12:53 AM
Mark M

Thanks for the website info 218bee. There are still a couple things I am curious about. What does the "P" mean on the underside of the barrel near the front sight. Also, the date of manufacture...I could'nt quite understand the specs on Vi shooters site to figure it out. Also the REDFIELD peep site...is it common on these types of guns? Is there a way to keep it on and still mount a scope for hunting? (probably a dumb question). Would taps for a scope mount reduce the value? And can the recoil pad be removed without damaging the butt plate? AHA! I Just noted the letter "A" touching the front sight right to the right of it with the number "8" about a 1/2 inch below that. What does that mean? The wealth of knowledge on this site is fantastic! Thanks again friends!!!! Feel free to comment please!
05-06-2010, 01:31 AM
JGaynor

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark M

Thanks for the website info 218bee. There are still a couple things I am curious about. What does the "P" mean on the underside of the barrel near the front sight. Also, the date of manufacture...I could'nt quite understand the specs on Vi shooters site to figure it out. Also the REDFIELD peep site...is it common on these types of guns? Is there a way to keep it on and still mount a scope for hunting? (probably a dumb question). Would taps for a scope mount reduce the value? And can the recoil pad be removed without damaging the butt plate? AHA! I Just noted the letter "A" touching the front sight right to the right of it with the number "8" about a 1/2 inch below that. What does that mean? The wealth of knowledge on this site is fantastic! Thanks again friends!!!! Feel free to comment please!

1. The "P" indicates the barrel was fired with a "proof" (high pressure) round to ensure its safety.
2. Barrel dates may generally correlate with the serial number. A 1918 date would suggest the barrel is original to the receiver. The "A" is probably Part of "SA" for springfiled arsenal.
3. Redfield is (was?) a popular brand of receiver sight. The Lyman 48 is probably seen more often.

Before making any moifications just be sure its not a sporter made by one of the accomplished gunsmiths (Owen, Griffin and Howe etc). Some of the members of the forum are quite well versed on this subject and can advise you. Admitedly its sort of a long shot but changing one of those fine rifles would be an act of vandalism.

If it turns out to be aregular military conversion from the 50's or 60's then:

4. There is no reason you shouldnt install a scope on this rifle if you want one. A good gunsmith can recommend a mount and scope for you. A side mount might let you keep the Redfield sight in place.
5. Removing the recoil pad will of course shorten the stock. You could replace it with a pad of the same type, a thinner pad or a metal or plastic buttplate. Note properly fitting a recoil pad is skilled work. The trick is matching the contours of the stock - not as easy as you might think.

Regards,

Jim
05-06-2010, 08:59 AM
Mark M

Thanks JGaynor. I guess then the only thing I have to figure out is who sporterized it. I can see the outside edge of the buttplate seems to look brass colored, but the rubber recoil pad is covering everything else. Thanks.
05-07-2010, 01:48 AM
Mark M

Is there anyway to tell who sporterized my Springfield? All this info is fasinating! It was aquired sporterized in the United States and brought to Canada at least 50 years ago. Also, if I decide to keep the original Redfield peep site on for hunting, what kind of distance could a guy shoot without a scope? (probably another dumb question) Just wondering if anyone still hunts with open sights these days. My apologies, I am new to hunting (although I have wanted to for years) and this gun is "new" to me.
05-07-2010, 07:24 AM
scriber

hunting is hunting

whether a rifle has scope or open sights, the object of hunting is a clean kill, one shot, no chance of a crippling mistake.

your open sights are fine. stalk well, shoot well. the trend today among newbies (and many socalled slob hunters) is long range shooting--- giant scopes on big calibers --- with many misses or poor hits on animals that run away and are never found.

its not target shooting, its hunting. 1000 yard match rifles were built based on your rifle, but thats not hunting.

the rifle should be the smallest part of your hunt, the last thing that happens, the rest is the real adventure. your rifle will do you well if you zero it at 100 yards and hold 3-4 inches high for 200, and take no shot over 200 with or without a scope.

respect the animal and the hunt. hone your skills. let your hunting strategy and tactics close the range to a sure kill shot, every time.

open sights are good. if you are good. thats the satisfying part.

jc
05-07-2010, 09:24 AM
JGaynor

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark M

Is there anyway to tell who sporterized my Springfield? All this info is fasinating! It was aquired sporterized in the United States and brought to Canada at least 50 years ago. Also, if I decide to keep the original Redfield peep site on for hunting, what kind of distance could a guy shoot without a scope? (probably another dumb question) Just wondering if anyone still hunts with open sights these days. My apologies, I am new to hunting (although I have wanted to for years) and this gun is "new" to me.

Mark, In your case just make sure you have examined the disassembled rifle completely. The "name" rifle builders frequently marked their rifles with their own names and sometimes their own numbers. If you don't see anything then more than likely the conversion was done by a local craftsman or even the previous owner.

Regards,

Jim