Springfield 1903, dated 1908 - any opinions please

[waco16]

I would be grateful of any opinions on the rifle in the following pictures from any forum members.

Many thanks

Information

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[Promo]

Handguard and rear sight ladder have been replaced. Post a few more pictures of it. Does it still have the original barrel?

[neorebel]

It looks totally stock. Nice 03. I don't know why promo said it's had parts replaced....Please tell us why you think that????

[waco16]

Thanks for the comments - I have asked the seller for more pictures and will post them when they arrive.

Any other thoughts?

[neorebel]

It is always possible to have parts changed over the years. They were in service for a LONG time. Do your research on the net there's plenty of information there. I do think it looks very nice and I don't see anything wrong with it....it would be a great addition to any collection.

[Rick the Librarian]

Promo is right and I would add the stock to the "list":

1) Original handguard would have been a "high hump" one - this one has a relatively straight profile

2) Original stock would have had one stock bolt - this has two - post 1917

3) The rear sight leaf doesn't have the 2850 yard "notch" at the top of the leaf; in addition, the sight binding screw and windage knob appear to be "flat", not dished. This indicates a post 1918 part.

[Fred G.]

The bolt appears to have a swept back handle (double heat treated) and so is also a replacement. Were you thinking of buying the rifle? If so, you should know that the rifle has no particular collector value. As a shooter, it might be a good one and it might not be. However it has a Single Heat Treated receiver and so would be dangerous is a failed cartridge case released 55,000 PSI of gas into the receiver and magazine well. The receiver would just fly apart like a glass bottle.

[waco16]

Thanks for the additional comments - I am (was?) thinking of buying the rifle (there are not many nice 03's that come up for sale in the UK for a 'reasonable' price (not that this price is that reasonable at an asking of £1000)).
I am aware of the issues with the 'early' receiver's, but don't have the expertise to spot the other issues like the stock, sight etc.

Still haven't received the other pictures yet and will post when I get them

[neorebel]

As you said there are not many nice 03's around. If you like it snap her up and find the parts if you can to make it like it just came out of the factory or know that it has been used and been many places. Parts are changed and updated. To say it makes it less valuable than a stock untouched one is folly in my opinion. I had a Winchester M1 Garand from DCM it had many different parts on it and I was able to find the "Right" parts and put her back together....was it any better? No. It was fun and I did meet a lot of nice people at gun shows and on the internet.

So it's just a matter of perspective in my opinion. There are those who would leave it alone because it has a story to tell.

[Michael Petrov]

However it has a Single Heat Treated receiver and so would be dangerous is a failed cartridge case released 55,000 PSI of gas into the receiver and magazine well. The receiver would just fly apart like a glass bottle.

That is just not true, the 30-06 does not have enough pressure to do that. Without something to raise the pressure like a bore obstruction, the stock will most likley split, the extractor might blow off and the floorplate, follower and spring will head out the bottom. The rifle will be out of service, just like any other 1903, and the action will be just fine.