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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
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Ya the bolt was modified but the groove lines up with the peep sight. So it looks like it may have been used by a left handed shooter, so they could keep on target while reloading.
Also thanks for the welcome Mike!
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I've got a butt plate for it,,, I'll send you a PM.
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Now that you know that SRS has a record on this rifle you may want to contact them and get a copy of the documents. If your are really lucky it may have belonged to a shooter with a rep and with research you just might be able to find out more.
Regards,
Jim
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Thank you for everyones information and help. What is required to get the info from the SRS? I have never done it before.
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You have to subscribe to their magazine ($35 a year), for starters. It does take time. Google "Springfield Research Service" and that should get you to their website. I believe a letter for a DCM sales-type rifle like yours is about $65.
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K Ill check it out, Thanks for your help
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b-well, how bout a few mor pics of that find of yours?---charles
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yup, sure looks good to me me, and the price was right.
you should be able to bring it back the way it should be with out any trouble.
what does it measure from the trigger back to the wood on butt?
have you shot her yet?
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Did you ever take off the padded butt pad and see if the rear of the stock had been modified?
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Ya I did remove the buttpad and it looks like they sawed the end of the stock off. Also I did take it shooting yesterday and fired off a few rounds through it. It was a good time!
Also I will measure from the trigger to the end of the stock when I get a chance today.
