Questions about m1903 that I purchased

Springfield Armory Model 1903 .30-06 Bolt Action Military Rifle 1919 C Relics at GunBroker.com : 898212127

I just received this in the mail this week. The receiver concerns me a little. All of the m1903s that I have seen say Model 1903 on the receiver, and this one just says US Springfield Armory and the serial number. This is supposedly a 1919 serial number. I just want to be sure that it is a genuine receiver and not a fake. The bolt markings identify the bolt as being from the 1920’s, and it appears from all other markings to have a Springfield C stock. WWII era barrel. The P by the trigger guard looks different from some others that I have seen as well. This is my first 1903 and I am just looking for confirmation that it looks legitimate.

I have never seen a m1903 that was missing the "model 1903" on top of the front ring. Ive not seen everything to see yet, obviously. I will be interested in what someone much more knowledgeable than I has to offer. Travis

I have some real doubts on this receiver. If you look at some of the spots, it almost looks cast. Also look at the ledge under the serial number, it seems very miss-shapen and when you compare it another receiver it doesn't look right.

I would really try to return this rifle. For sure that barrel wasn't put on the rifle by the Marines.

Good call to return it. The serial number looks hand stamped as well.

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Originally Posted by cplstevennorton

Also look at the ledge under the serial number, it seems very miss-shapen and when you compare it another receiver it doesn't look right.

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Is it possible this receiver was demilled and welded back together? Did they do that with M1903s?

Springfield Armory was using block letters by the time that serial number was made. This one has serifed fonts.

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Originally Posted by browningautorifle

Is it possible this receiver was demilled and welded back together? Did they do that with M1903s?

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Looks like someone did.

Look at that ledge below the serial and it's for sure had something done to it in that spot. The lettering is not straight and looks off. The serial does as well to me. I think at best it's had the serial and markings either scrubbed off and replaced, or it was added to a commercial receiver.

But something is definitely wrong with it. I would ask for a return.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...07CXtuvl-1.jpg

---------- Post added at 08:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:27 PM ----------

Also looking at it more. It has Seriffs on the lettering.

I don't know of any serials around that serial number with Seriffs.

I think all the lettering and serial has been added.

My 1919 1903 sn 1091xxx has the block lettering and model 1903 stamped above the sn . Yours does look suspicious with that lettering. LSB is a good group of people to deal with and you should have no problems with them on the return.

Thank you for taking the time to help me. This is a gift for my dad (from my mom) so I am going to show it to him and then return it. Hopefully I can find another in that price range that is fully genuine. I truly appreciate your time.

What a great gift that will be. I would definitely return that one....I have my doubts if I would even fire that rifle after seeing all that has been done....kinda makes me wonder what all has been done that we cannot see. I hope this is just seller oversight and that he will make good on your purchase. I see nice all original and correct 1903 rifles selling on the 1000-1200 range pretty regular. Find you another or let your seller find you one and when he does you can post pictures here before you buy and they guys here will look over your pictures and give you an opinion on condition, value and correctness. Thanks care and let us know how it all works out....Travis

serial number has been altered, likely using a pantagraph, you can see the old markings as a ghost.. id be sending that one back