Springfield Armory m1903 question

[John Gelotti]

A local dealer has called me and offered me a M1903.
The serial# is 1094xxx. Can someone date this rifle?
Should the be a barrel date?
Is there a possibility the rifle was used during WW2?
Where do I have to look at in the first place to see the originality of the rifle?
Thanks!

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[45B20]

John

From ViShooters site; 01 Jan 1919 started with #1055092 and 01 Jan 1920 started with #1162501.

So your receiver was serial numbered in 1919, my guess is in the first quarter and the barrel that was originally installed should be dated in mid 1919.

Your rifle certainly existed during the WWII time period. How it was used will be hard to document, perhaps a letter to the Springfield Research Service would help.

Most likely your rifle has been rebuilt one or more times,, so the barrel has probably been changed as have many of the other parts of your rifle. Look over each part and record what markings you find, look especially for R and X or no mark. Also look for marks on the stock on the left side below and to the rear of the cutoff , in the cutout in the stock for the cutoff , the tip of the stock and just in front of the front trigger guard screw. Most of the parts changed their contours during manufacture over the years, if you can post photos this would be helpful, as many of the members can identify these parts and to manufacture and year of introduction. There again, you rifle might be totally original, I hope so but it would be a long shot.

Several good books out there, I would suggest starting with the “ ‘03 Springfield Service Rifle” by Bruce N. Canfield or “The ‘03 Springfield Rifles’ Era” by Clark S. Campbell. I have both but I feel Canfield’s is a little better for a beginner. Brophy's would be a bit much for you right now. Stay away from Poyer’s book, too many mistakes.

Good luck

45B20

[John Gelotti]

I forgot to let you know the seller told me it has the type "C" stock.
So this is already a replacement if I understand it well?

Thanks for your help

[45B20]

John

C stock,, definitely a replacement, but in this case it can be good as they are desirable and you could sell it and get the correct stock if you decide to go the entire ‘return to original’ thing. You might want to check the edge of the muzzle for any star looking marks, just maybe. Also when you remove the barreled action from the stock , look at the bottom of the barrel for any hand marked numbers and also on the top in front of the rear sight, sometime they are there.

Good luck have fun and please buy a book.

45B20

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Very good tips from 45B20 John, and you were wise to check here first.

There are many variables with these guns as far as collector value -

Also, 1903's take a much larger hit if they've been 'sporterized' or otherwise messed with in some irreversible means over the years -
Barrel cut, stocks altered, sights replaced, receiver drilled, etc.

To me, a large issue right now would be how much you have to spend to purchase it.
If he's asking quite a bit (average true value), it'll most likely be for sale for at least a little while.
Regardless, I wouldn't rush until you have time to do more research first -
I'd rather lose out on a possible 'deal' than make a big mistake and pay way too much.
(The latter is more common)

I understand it's not always possible, but if you can take some photos and post them here it will be a big help with determining ballpark value.
The great folks on this site are some of the best anywhere and will quickly determine any major flaws that you might miss, even if you do study.

After studying on-line, I sure screwed up on my first 1903 and lost 100's in a trade that I thought was fair before I posted photos of my 'deal' -
(Bogus, worthless stock, and the &%$#head seller wouldn't return my Inland M1 carbine)

Please keep us posted.

~ Harlan

[Rick the Librarian]

There are some National Match rifles in the 1,090,000 range. However, they didn't start "starring" the muzzle until 1922.

[pmclaine]

Look at the stock where the notch for the magazine cut off is. See if there is an S or a K stamped there. If there is an S it is a Springfield C stock and a desirable piece of wood to a collector or a shooter. The Keystone K is nice but it seems there are lots more of those around than the Springfield stocks