Help iding my 1903

[John Beard]

Whoa!

In Grandfathers defense, he did those home modifications at a time when that rifle was worth less than $50. Thousands of people bought surplus M1903's from various sources from the 1940's through the '70's, and converted them over. And most of the conversions were meat-getter rack grades that were used, not stored as collectibles. And at that time, a hunting rifle was expensive and surplus weapons were a cheap alternative.

As far as the value, the rifle has been rebarrelled, but does not look drilled and tapped. The value is in it's potential for restoration purposes. A stock, and set of bands would restore it to a military-configured '03. Someone might want to do it. With nothing invested, a restoration by you would be worth the time and money. You could sell it in it's current state in the classifieds here for sure.

My 2 c. and Happy Holidays to all.

PD

With all due respect and with no intent of flaming anyone, what grandfather did was indefensible. All the sawing and hacking did nothing more than lighten the rifle by 2 lbs. at the most. Would you have me believe that grandfather was a backpacker and carried that rifle for many miles through the woods (thereby justifying the weight reduction)? Hardly! He took a nice service rifle and converted it into an ugly duckling on the flimsiest of excuses. I, of course, acknowledge his right to do that. It was his rifle to do with as he pleased.

If grandfather had installed a nice sporter stock, polished and blued the rifle, and installed some nice sporter sights, he could certainly be justified in dressing his rifle up. But the rifle in its current configuration hardly qualifies in that regard. It's a hack job, plain and simple. It substantially de-valued the rifle the day he did it. And it remains de-valued today.

My 2c worth. Happy Holidays!

J.B.