Low SN Sporter

[mike_golf]

I inherited a low serial number (55x,xxx) 1903 Springfield that has been sporterized. I do not know when the rifle was sporterized or who did the work. My grandfather passed, and no one else in the family would have any idea on the rifle's origin. The rifle has been re-barreled, the bolt now has a nickel finish, and the receiver is blued to match the barrel. The receiver has been drilled for a scope mount.

I'm wondering why a past gunsmith would have done the work on a low SN rifle? Wasn't the same conventional wisdom about shooting these rifles always in place? I know people do shoot these rifles, and this rifle was used during several deer seasons. Any input is appreciated.

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[Kirk]

As you note, many people would refrain from shooting such a rifle. After all, LN 1903s were used through WWII so while the knowledge of the hazard has been widespread since 1918, some shooters discount it and even today continue shooting LNs.

[Calif-Steve]

When I was a young fellow (1963) we had a shop in Honolulu that sporterized'03's. They would buy mail order Low Numbers for $29.99 each. They then reamed them out to handle the .308 Norma Mag. They were fast sellers and I saw many at the Koko Head Range. I never heard of one failing. Bad idea, but reality was different.

[Michael Petrov]

"I'm wondering why a past gunsmith would have done the work on a low SN rifle?"
All the custom makers used low-numbered 1903's and treated them no different than any others. Not using them is a recent thing.

[Griff Murphey]

Recent, Michael? Like from the early 1960's? I can recall the low S/N's reputation preceding itself. Including at one point you could RETURN low S/Ns through DCM to have them replaced, as late as the early 1960's. Now, that may have applied only to guns bought FROM DCM but...