Help on 1903 w/USMC barrel

[cuppednlocked]

I'm finally getting around to posting this to get information for a friend (who is looking to sell it). Guys on the CMP forum suggested I try here for info.

I was originally going to buy this from him, but I ended up getting another Garand.

It's a Springfield M1903, serial # 660430
Sedgley 1-1944 barrel marked USMC

Pictures:
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I was told to inspect the barrel and check for a dark ring. I looked inside with a bore light and did not see it. The muzzle gauges a 1. Stock has no cartouches that I could see and no missing chunks or gouges.

I know it's a low number, but what other information can you provide (is this a USMC 1903)?

Thanks.

Matt

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.

[Calif-Steve]

These barrels were common in the 1960's at $7.50. The Marines bent piles of them and sold them off as scrap. Lots of guys "fixed" them and sold them mail order. Understand in early 1944 the Marines needed Garand barrels, not '03 barels. So lots of new barrels were around. I have bought new good barrels and new "fixed" barrels. They are around in both grades.

[John Beard]

I'm finally getting around to posting this to get information for a friend (who is looking to sell it). Guys on the CMP forum suggested I try here for info.

I was originally going to buy this from him, but I ended up getting another Garand.

It's a Springfield M1903, serial # 660430
Sedgley 1-1944 barrel marked USMC

Pictures:
Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket

I was told to inspect the barrel and check for a dark ring. I looked inside with a bore light and did not see it. The muzzle gauges a 1. Stock has no cartouches that I could see and no missing chunks or gouges.

I know it's a low number, but what other information can you provide (is this a USMC 1903)?

Thanks.

Matt

The rifle appears to be a USMC rifle, and probably is. But, the provenance is not strongly convincing. For example, the Hatcher Hole is missing and the bolt is not serialized. The rifle also has some '03-A3 parts on it and is fitted with a stamped trigger guard, both of which lower the value. The wood condition also leaves something to be desired. And being a low number, the rifle has limited value as a shooter.

Hope this helps. Good Luck!

J.B.

[cuppednlocked]

Thanks John. The guys on the CMP page said you were the one to ask for help.

Matt

[cuppednlocked]

I didn't see an edit button for my last post.

What is a reasonable asking price for this rifle?

[John Beard]

I didn't see an edit button for my last post.

What is a reasonable asking price for this rifle?

I believe a reasonable asking price would be about $500.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[Griff Murphey]

Some of the straightened barrels shoot very well, some do not. Most straightened barrels will have marks where they were bent back, under the wood, about 2-4" forward of the rear sight base. I have one on an 03 my daughter shoots with mild loads and it does very well, also does well with full loads. In the 80's I remember somebody in the Rifleman had Sedgley USMC barrels for $42.

[stonewall56]

My '03 with a Sedgley barrel "keyholed" targets. I found a NOS barrel, had Tim Shufflin parkerize it then had it installed by a WWII vet gunsmith.