Need help with my recent buy (Springfield 1903)

Hi guys,
I just got this Springfield 1903 sporter (not cut nor drilled) . Its a decent nice rifle, but I'm totally new to Springfield and i'm wondering about a few things. I know about the low number receiver and all. This rifle has a high number (1 400 000 something) so it should be safe. But the barrel show a 1911 date...!? I was afraid it might be a fake number on the receiver, but its very well centered, so it look legit. There's also some markings on the underface of the barrel (CL2). I have included pictures, so maybe some of you guys could help me. Anyone know about a Springfield that got a barrel older than its receiver like mine? thanks in advance.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...7/Sprg1a-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...07/Sprg3-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...07/Sprg4-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...7/Sprg2a-1.jpg

During the Depression Springfield re-used old, but good, barrels. Likely a National Guard turn-in with a bad receiver and they replaced the receiver but kept everything else.

Let me add this. Ship it off to Chuckindenver for a nice parkerizing job. It will look brand new, but also look GI (real).

He's in Montreal Canada, that can't happen...too bad really...

I never handled a Springfield 1903 before this one, I must say i'm quite impressed with it. The rear sight is really awesome.

You'll enjoy shooting it too.

Something I noticed, there's no proof punch on the receiver. I don't think I've ever seen one without it, some were in the corner of the lug boss and ring (centered below the serial number) and some have been just ahead of the serial number. Yours does not have a punch at all???? I'd ask the pro's about that one. I might have a date correct barrel for it, I gotta check the numbers.

I might see a kinda punch but its very faded if its the proof punch. I'll take another picture tomorrow.

Barrel date would be very close if it weren't for that 1 in front of the serial number LOL. I checked, my barrels are 6-34 and 7-34, from what I can guess yours should have around a 4-33 barrel. Not sure, that was around the time they quit production and turned out small numbers via parts, so hard to say. Hope the pro's chime in on it, I'd like to know what they think.

A large number of low numbered M1903s, when turned in for overhaul, had their receivers scrapped. However (as Calif-Steve said), the other parts were reused. I have seen 1930s serial numbered rifles with 1911, 1907, and even 1905 barrels. "Parts is parts" was Springfield Armory's motto during this period.

So, what you're saying is,, a new receiver, (parts one) first time issued out, could have been wearing a 20+ year old barrel?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by r22r

Hi guys,
I just got this Springfield 1903 sporter (not cut nor drilled) . Its a decent nice rifle, but I'm totally new to Springfield and i'm wondering about a few things. I know about the low number receiver and all. This rifle has a high number (1 400 000 something) so it should be safe. But the barrel show a 1911 date...!? I was afraid it might be a fake number on the receiver, but its very well centered, so it look legit. There's also some markings on the underface of the barrel (CL2). I have included pictures, so maybe some of you guys could help me. Anyone know about a Springfield that got a barrel older than its receiver like mine? thanks in advance.

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Your rifle's receiver was originally manufactured as a spare part for use in overhaul. The receiver was intended to replace the receiver of a low number rifle turned in for overhaul. In your rifle's particular case, the low number rifle had a salvageable 1911-dated barrel. So, the barrel was removed from the low number receiver and re-installed on your rifle's receiver.

As Randy A pointed out, absence of a prick punch proof mark on your rifle's receiver indicates that your rifle was assembled at some Ordnance facility besides Springfield Armory.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

Hello guys,

I just want to thanks everyone who took the time to put some informations for me, its been a great help.

r22r In my humble opinion I think it would be best not to refinish this rifle or mess with the barrel. It is beautiful as is and the story about changing out the low number receivers makes it even more interesting. The well used appearance embodies the history it has lived. Just find an original stock and go out abd shoot it.
Salt Flat