Please help me choose 2 of these 4 rifles from this cache & rank them - NEED HELP!

[Orsogato]

Hi all,

Me, my father-in-law and a friend went on a group buy for these four 1903 Springfields still in the cosmoline - originally from the CMP. I get the choice of the first two based on the deal. Can you help me choose which are the most correct, valuable, etc? Anything else you may know about them would be most appreciated. Thank you.




from top to bottom here are the candidates.

On top:

A Remington model 1903 serial # 32508xx. non-checkered buttplate. The bolt is marked underneath with a "1" . The bbl is "R A 9-42". The trigger is serrated and the stock is a straight "S" style without the handgrooves. The buttplate is non-checkered. I think this rifle may be all original. I am not sure about the bolt. The front top handguard has what I think are the "slash" marks typical with a british commonwealth lend-lease rifle.

Second from top:

A Springfield Armory Mark I. Serial # 11145xx. bbl is "S A 7-42" The buttplate looks to be a tight checkered "remington type." The scant style buttstock is stamped with the last four digits of the serial number. I think this is a typical "arsenal rebuild."

Third from top:

This one is a Remington model 1903. It is serial # 32406xx. The bbl is "R A 9-42". The buttstock is non-checkered. The bolt is marked R and 42. This also has the "slash" marks on the top front hand-guard that I think are related to British lend-lease rifles. I think this one may be the most "correct" of all of them. If not all correct. The receiver has a slight "patina" to the finish. Trigger is smooth and trigger guard appears to be of the milled type. The buttstock is stamped with the last four digits of the rifle's serial number. It also has a "5" and a circle P behind the trigger guard.

On the Bottom:

This is a Remington model 1903. It is serial # 33305xx. The bbl is a high standard "H S 8-44". Non-checkered butt-stock. Smooth trigger. Milled guard. Bolt is marked "NS" on top and has a "2" underneath. This also has the "slashes" that I think are for british lend lease rifles. This has the nicest original finish on the receiver of all of them. The buttstock is also stamped w/ the last four digits of the rifle's serial #. It also has an "x" in front of the magazine floorplate.

Information

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[vintage hunter]

A lot to sort out here. The ser.#'s on the stock normally indicate Greek issue. The Mk.1 is a WWII rebuild, as is the one with the HS barrel and the NS bolt, thats an SA bolt unless the NS is on the underside of the safety lug then it would be a Rock Island bolt as far as I know. There's only a slim chance that the other two will be correct, Just pick the ones you like based on overall condition, especially the bore and go with that. Some of the more knowledgable members can provide better info so just hang on.

[Rick the Librarian]

The "slashes" you mention on the handguards are very occasionally seen on those British rifles, but MUCH more commonly are seen on Greek returns, which I think most, if not all of these rifles are. Chances are that all of them are "parts queens". I'd pick the one with the best bore, as I think they are all "shooter grade".

[Mike D]

Yep, they sound like Greek returns to me.

I would base the two I would pick on bore condition and parts value. The more milled parts, the better. Milled and stamped with an "R", even mo' betta'.

As far as the wood goes, I think scant stocks are less valuable. They might "hold" or "shoot" better, but they're not as good lookin'. Any original stamps would be a plus. We know the scant stock is inletted for the A3 handguard ring, but are the others? If not, '03 Rem, little better.

The "slashes" you refer to sound like Greek repairs for a crack in the handguard. I call 'em "stitches".

Good luck with your choices!

[Orsogato]

Thanks for the input.

As these all seem to be "shooter grade," I think I am going to go with the Mark I wwII rebuild, and the the Remington w/ the 9-42 bbl and the r 42 bolt.

The good news is that we only have a little more into them than they were originally going for from the CMP. Actually, if you factor shipping, it's about a wash.

[John Beard]

Based on your descriptions, the rifle appearing most original is Remington S/N 32406xx.

Remington S/N 32508xx has some replacement parts on it.

If it has a good bore, Remington S/N 33305xx should make a good shooter. The Mark I rifle may also make a good shooter.

My 2c worth.

J.B.

[Orsogato]

Thanks again for the input.

Our cosmoline removal party is this weekend. The mkI is definitely one of my two. I may take the HS bbl one also.