Hear Yea Hear Yea, I have a propsal for a 03 dataabase website!!!

[tomwatts]

OK folks I have an idea to run by you.

I am considering creating a custom database centric website for all data related to the Springfield 1903 & 03A1/3/4 rifles.

In my day job I am an IT (Information Technology) type, and I used to be a programmer. I am now a hobbyist programmer when I am not hobby gun smithing, and collecting or building O3’s.

I have built quite a few websites in my time and more than a few were database driven. I am considering creating a series of databases that will enable one to search/display/print and export to word/excel data about any given year model gun. (To include photos and document attachments for download)

I want this site to be as authoritative as possible and be useful to the community both for thwarting 03 gun collecting fraud and helping new and old collectors know what a weapon should look like and how it should be configured given a certain year/serial number etc.

Maybe an Angies List for 03’s so when and 03 is listed on GB for $13,000, we can make an informed decision about it!

I am thinking that between the collector part types processes that have been defined by Poe and Brophy and others most any gun can be described in its original state. I would probably cherry pick which system to use per gun assembly. (with ref notes)
For instance I think Poe coverage of stocks is rudimentary but his definitions of other parts assembly types such as barrels is pretty good.

I guess it does not matter which parts types system is chosen as long as I (we) are consistent.

Now more to the idea part!

It will take me a month or so to create the base system and website, and populate the top level data fields and data. After that it will take a long time to determine and enter the remainder of the information required. That is where I might (will) need your help. Team work and collaboration always creates a better product, and we can correct some of the known errors in the reference books.

You might think of this as a Wiki database project with a single focus.

I will design the system where it can be updated by several (or more) discreet users, with security and change tracking so we don’t get any he said she said issues in editing, and/or we might just let somebody adopt a special year/model gun record.

I make very easy to use, and read database websites, I think you will be very surprised how nice it will be. I will be hosting the site myself, no one will incur any costs, and the site will not be affiliated with any other site, unless there is a good reason.

(We will of course link to all the good 03 forums and other 03 data sites, while we may end up partial redundant with some, that should not be a problem.)

• So what do you think, ideas, questions etc.
• Would you support something like this???

Got to stop now and watch "Top Shot"...

Information

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[Jim Tarleton]

There are already a multitude of databases in existence. I have several. You might encounter resistance to publish data that took many years to accumulate. I have spent years collecting data off auction sites and other sources, and even I would be reluctant to part with what amounts to thousands of dollars of time spent recording serial numbers and descriptions of 1903's. The largest collection of serial numbers is the SRS data, and I don't think they will allow us to publish those numbers.

Exactly what did you have in mind?

jt

[tomwatts]

I am talking about the information related to the range of serial numbers for a particular year/model of 03 gun. (Not one particular gun serial number)

In other words there will only be about 150 top level records, one for each year versus the Manufacturer.

I.E. one record for 1929 SA and another record for the 1929 RIA. Every detail of a standard model 1929 RIA would be documented. I am not interested in individual guns.

This is a ready reference not a registration of existing serial numbers. As to databases of information, what good is the databases everybody has unless the appropriate information is shared.

Say you want to know what a 1919 SA 03 should look like and what configuratinon it should be in. Where do you go now? You go to some reference books or ask your friends or go to a forum that has posted some information in a random fashion. And you and your friends get asked the same questions a thousand times.

This will be more authorative if everybody contributes. That is why each reference book has errors, the group did not merge all it's data.

What say you now?

[firstflabn]

Implicit in your design is the assumption that there are no transitional serial number ranges. Not to mention differences of opinion among good-willed knowlegeable collectors.

[tomwatts]

I am well aware of the RIA recievers that were assembled at SA, or 10 years later etc. etc.

And the difference in opinions on many small matters, like SN ranges etc.

But that is the beauty of teamwork, if the majority of the community says it is one way then it is that way. (Exceptions noted!)

History is written by the winners and those that can influence everybody else.

It should be fun and a learning experience for all! Maybe we could get a sub forum here for the problem child discussions???

Tom