1903 Springfield as a gift.

[ricofardan]

Hi all,

I've been a member for 5+years but have ben away in K98 land for a long time. I have been a collector for 45 years. Recently a long time friend of mine passed after a prolonged illness. Before he died he gifted me a 1903 Springfield and I wanted to post the data and maybe get some input.

Serial is 870057 with a 11-42 SA barrel. It has a swept back bolt wtht a "r" underneath the bolt handle. The stock has no finger grooves or pistol grip and a single "P" behind the trigger guard. Also a AA B in a box. The finish is dark park and the bore condition is strong with lots of shine.

I don't know much about the rifle but am proud and honored to own it. Good to be back. I will post some pictures when I figure out how to do it.

Rico

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[tomwatts]

Welcome back!
Thanks for sharing!

[John Beard]

Hi all,

I've been a member for 5+years but have ben away in K98 land for a long time. I have been a collector for 45 years. Recently a long time friend of mine passed after a prolonged illness. Before he died he gifted me a 1903 Springfield and I wanted to post the data and maybe get some input.

Serial is 870057 with a 11-42 SA barrel. It has a swept back bolt wtht a "r" underneath the bolt handle. The stock has no finger grooves or pistol grip and a single "P" behind the trigger guard. Also a AA B in a box. The finish is dark park and the bore condition is strong with lots of shine.

I don't know much about the rifle but am proud and honored to own it. Good to be back. I will post some pictures when I figure out how to do it.

Rico

Your rifle was originally manufactured at Springfield Armory during May or June, 1918. The rifle probably saw limited service during WWI, then was returned, inspected, repaired or overhauled, and placed in Ordnance stores. The rifle was re-issued for service during WWII. During the latter part of WWII, your rifle was returned to Augusta Arsenal for overhaul, was refinished, re-barreled, re-stocked, and re-assembled from mixed parts. The bolt and stock, for example, were made during WWII by Remington. The rifle was then inspected by an inspector whose last initial was "B". The rifle was then sold during post-WWII 1950's surplus disposal sales and eventually ended up in your possession.

Congratulations, but condolences on loss of your friend.

J.B.