MINT 1903-A3 Springfield question

[Brian Dick]

There were lots of No.4's sent to the Greeks from Canada too. I imported a couple hundred in 2001 that were former Greek Army Reserve issue. All very nice and well looked after except for handling marks on the woodwork, but with no distinct Greek ownership markings other than the odd sticker on the butt with the name and address of the troop to whom issued. The CMP Springfields had stock patches and repairs that spoke to me because it was obvious the Armourers had been trained by the British and Commonwealth. Some also had the black dip finish, (whatever it is). You seldom see handguards repaired on U.S. weapons because they just tossed them in the bin and installed a new one. Not so elsewhere where parts and pieces were at a premium. Anyhow, they had lots of character. My favorite shooter is a Springfield with a 5-30 barrel, in it's original SA C stock with original cartouches still intact and a San Antonio Arsenal rebuild stamp.

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[mrclark303]

There were lots of No.4's sent to the Greeks from Canada too. I imported a couple hundred in 2001 that were former Greek Army Reserve issue. All very nice and well looked after except for handling marks on the woodwork, but with no distinct Greek ownership markings other than the odd sticker on the butt with the name and address of the troop to whom issued. The CMP Springfields had stock patches and repairs that spoke to me because it was obvious the Armourers had been trained by the British and Commonwealth. Some also had the black dip finish, (whatever it is). You seldom see handguards repaired on U.S. weapons because they just tossed them in the bin and installed a new one. Not so elsewhere where parts and pieces were at a premium. Anyhow, they had lots of character. My favorite shooter is a Springfield with a 5-30 barrel, in it's original SA C stock with original cartouches still intact and a San Antonio Arsenal rebuild stamp.

Interesting stuff, as ever Brian. Your 1903 sounds like a beauty, my A4 build is fitted with a late war "big belly" Keystone C stock, much fuller in profile than the earlier C stocks and not as nice to shoot in my opinion.