My "new" 1903

[ldickersonc]

You guys are the experts, I just picked this up for 550 the other day at a local shop. What can you all tell me about it? Appreciate the help. I can always take more photos, these are just the highlights.

Information

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[SGTHurley]

I am not an expert but I don't think "C" stocks were issued on 1903s. Here is an excellent site to learn about your purchase: http://vishooter.home.att.net/slc6_2008.html Hmmm, I am not getting the site to open. I will keep trying. You have a nice looking rifle there.

Unless the barrel is trashed you certainly got a good price on that rifle even if it is not correct. Bill.

[Johnny Peppers]

It has all the looks of a National Match rifle, but is not listed in the DCM sales list. Does the muzzle of the barrel show the star gauge mark?

[Mike D]

For that price you practically stole the rifle. NM is my guess, too. Checking the SRS books, nothing but NM in that serial # range, including one just 7 digits away.

And yes, C-stocks were issued on some '03's. Could very well be the original stock. What is the barrel date? And do check for the star-gauge stamp on the muzzle in the 6 o'clock position.

[John Beard]

Congratulations!

You have a 1930 National Match rifle in excellent condition! The rifle was overhauled and re-stocked in 1936.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[ldickersonc]

The barrel date is 3-36, its got the flaming bomb and the initials S A. There is a star at the 6 oclock spot on the end of the barrel. None of my pictures will work. Where does that put the value of this rifle? Appreciate the help.

[Midmichigun]

Idickersonc,
Ya... I am not an expert... but I think you did steal it!
Thanks for sharing! That is a nice looking rifle.

[Rick the Librarian]

The value of the rifle is about 5 to 7 times more than you paid for it!! You committed grand larceny of the highest order!! I see some rust on the trigger guard, but otherwise, a fine example of a National Match M1903!!

[ldickersonc]

Thanks for the help. Now, does firing weapons like this degrade value? Is it blasphemus to consider it? What about mounting a scope, should i seek out a proper era military scope? What about restoration, i want to get rid of the rust, but not destroy any value.

[Midmichigun]

ID,
Go softly... and carefully.
Some shooting (provided that it has already been "used") should not hurt it. Someone did a calculation once about how many rounds = lost dollar. Can't recall where I saw that... but be aware that additional wear and tear will further bring down values... especially if the TE and ME become large. But I really don't think that SOME shooting is gonna hurt the value, since you probably don't plan to shoot it extensively????
Personally, I would NOT alter it in any way. Oil her up... and enjoy! I think that mounting a scope would be a mistake, but others may guide you shortly, who have more opinions.
I don't think that removing the rust is an issue. I would be more alarmed about further damage to parts during "removal". I know people use all sorts of abrasive pads or chemical methods. Probably some light polishing with some oil would get off some of that rust!
I think that some of the experts here will offer some sage advice on rust removal... I think from your photos you have more rust than just on the trigger guard.
Remember that refinishing a rifle (total refinish) would degrade values.
I would definitely apply some grease to the parts to help insulate it from the oxygen. Typically oils do degrade and evaporate over time.
You have come to the right spot for help!