NM 1903 Springfield question

Hello, let me start by saying what an excellent site this is. My question is that I will be obtaining what I think is a NM 1903A1 soon but my only doubt is that while the bolt is polished it does not have 'NS' at the bolt handle root or an etched serial number on it. I recall seeing a '17' on the safety lug but no other markings. The barrel is stamped SA 8-36 and serial number is 1.4 million, I can't remember exactly. Could this be a replacement bolt as I am under the impression the bolts on NM rifles were numbered. Thanks

The bolts were not originally numbered, but by the serial number range you quote they were. The barrel will have the star gauge mark stamped at 6:00 on the muzzle, and will have the star gauge record number stamped on the barrel just ahead of the sight sleeve.

The bolts were not polished on a cloth buffing wheel, and have a distinct pattern around the locking lugs and safety lug.

Thanks, guess I will have to wait until I examine it closer but it does have have the star at the muzzle. I will post pics here or on Vi Shooter's site.

Be sure to look for the star gauge record number that Johnny mentions. I have seen some fake star gauge barrels that lack the number.Something else to keep in mind is that a number of NM rifles were put back into the "system" and used as service rifles.

Check the stock,as well. Is the rifle mounted in a "C" stock....with the semi-pistol grip? Is there a cartouche on the left side near the rear of the receiver? Is there a letter stamped in the cutoff recess of the stock? If so, what is the letter? Is there a Drawing Number and/or serial number stamped
into the under side of the stock between the lower swivel and the grip? Does it have the coarse NM butt plate? Is the "ON" side of the cut-off polished? Is the rear sight leaf polished?

Also.....a 1936 receiver with a matching barrel would be desirable as production was ceased or very limited that year....I would assume because of tooling up for the M1 Garand.

Can you post some pics?

Thanks.

If you can get the full serial number, post it on this forum and request an SRS check. Knowledgeable folks here will let you know if a record exists.

You must post the serial number. Lots of NM fakes out there. Be careful.

I have picked it up, here are a few observations and comments. Looks like I can only post from hosting service so could someone help me get pics up?

Serial number: 1470702
barrel date: SA 3-36
Stock: C pistol grip stock with number by rear swivel (not correct to receiver)
Polished follower, raceway, rear sight
star on muzzle
Bolt seems to be old straight type

thanks

Is the number by the lower butt swivel a "D1836"?

1470702 was not a DCM Sales rifle.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rick the Librarian

Is the number by the lower butt swivel a "D1836"?

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Appears to be a serial number but not that of the rifle.

If you can identify it and it is in the 1,300,000-1,500,000 range, it may be a stock taken from another NM rifle. Again, pictures would help.

Starting to sound like a parts gun to me. Really need some pictures to help.

Hello, I am new to the site and still learning. I don't mean to be off topic but can some of you look up any serial numbers? Or just Springfields? I inherited some old Civil War Colts and Colt want's 300 per pistol for the information. I have no use for the letter these have been in my family since they were new and they certainly will never be sold.

The Colt letter would tell when and where your Colts were shipped. If you don't want these letters, what kind of information are you seeking?

Johnny- Are you saying the rifle is not a NM?

haha I don't want to spend 600 for the letter or to find it out. The letters would be nice if they were reasonable. The informatrion could be as bland as heck. I'm told one of mine is a confederate officers pistol that my ancestor captured. I would like to confirm that. But increasing the value does me no good what so ever as My son will get them eventually. I understand why they do it... But it would be nice if they could just tell you... no letter. Now S&W, Mr Jink's are stand up they simply told me my smith was shipped in 1872 to m &D robinson their largest supplier and sold from there some where. My family bought it new. a .44 American, but what good would a letter have been had it been a Colt.

I'm sorry I know this was off topic.

---------- Post added at 03:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:05 PM ----------

It doesn't sound like it.. Or parts of it are not

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Calif-Steve

Johnny- Are you saying the rifle is not a NM?

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Not sure which post you are referring to, but if it is the post indicating the rifle was not a DCM Sales rifle, that only shows there is no record of it having been sold as a NM. It could have been a military NM which was never sold as a NM. The military retained NM rifles need to have everything original to a NM rifle of their particular vintage as a very good indication of what they were. As indicated by other posts, the rifle could have been a NM that never left the military, and at some point was turned in, rebuilt, and issued as a service rifle. It would be an individual decision as to how much premium one should pay for such a rifle.

The SRS letter indicating the rifle was originally sold as a NM is the best proof you can have of what the rifle really is. I have a NM with SRS documentation that it was a 1925 USCG team rifle which was returned to Springfield Armory on October 31, 1930, rebuilt into a 1903A1 NM, and sold to a civilian at the 1931 Camp Perry matches.