Value of a 4 Digit Serial # 1903

[munkjeep]

I saw 7004 for sale , had a 3/06 dated barrel, but it had been sporterized by drilling the top of the reciever for a scope mount and cutting down the stock, does this rifle have any value with the 4 holes drilled into the reciever ? or is it a conversation piece not worth trying to restore ?
They had a $469 price tag on it but not a firm price , could trade something else for it.

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[browningautorifle]

Even here in Canada, I would probably buy it for the number alone. It can be resurrected with some careful work but you would only get so far. You would never be able to pass it as original. I would also beat him down on the price. About $250 or so would have me all sewn up.

[Rick the Librarian]

Assuming the barrel had not been shortened or the front sight replaced, the barrel would have value. I'm assuming the rear sight had been removed? Maybe half what the asking price was.

[munkjeep]

The barrel had not been shortened or the front sight replaced, the rear sight has been removed, but the sight collar is still there. I was wondering about the value of the barrel also. I have serial # 239012 with a later barrel, I was toying with the idea of swapping the barrel onto my rifle and selling the remains as parts. A lot of trouble, but I enjoy trying to rebuild USGI weapons with correct parts, I usually fool with Garands and 1911s, but have been branching out into shotguns and 1903s.

Thanx for the quick replys, Robbie

[Mike D]

The serial # is nothing more than a novelty, now. Value lies in the parts. Barrel worn out? Rust-blue finish still on the metal? Is the stock original, even though cut-down? A high-wood, no-bolt stock is worth saving.

Original bolt could be $100, trigger guard - $150-200, lower band - $50, upper band - $80, rear sight - $100. Original condition early parts add up quick.

Unfortunately, that is rarely the case with a sporterized rifle.