1903 Springfield mark I questions

[roscoe1952]

Recent new member here. Was browsing at a local gun shop today and noticed a 1903 springfield rifle sitting in the corner. On closer inspection I saw receiver was marked "SPRINGFIELD ARMORY MK I" and lt had a oval cut out on left side of receiver. Barrel was marked HS 11-44. Serial number range was in the 1,040,XXX range. looked to be original but cant be sure. Not bad shape, stock was a little worn, bore was nice. Price was reasonable.
Are these more valuable then a regular 1903 ? what would value be on something like this assuming it is original ? anything I should look for on this to check originality ? I am just getting into collecting 1903's. thanks for any help guys.

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[rimfire]

You question is impossible to answer with any accuracy without much more detail. In production there were many running changes in parts.
Buying a 1903 at a good price is very difficult without lots knowledge of what parts are correct for the serial number.
Each component of a 1903 can effect its value. For example HS 11-44 is a replacement barrel, not original and changes its value........
Most 1903s you find have a mix of parts that sometimes greatly reduces their value.
After parts you have to consider condition, finish, bore, correct stock, bolt, cutoff, safety, trigger, correct Mark 1 parts, correct bluing or parkerizing of parts, catouches are important and on and on.
Before you buy:
I would highly suggest you study the 1903 historical web sites especially the ones that detail changes throughout production.
Read as many threads on this forum as possible.
Maybe buy one of several excellent books that detail 1903s.
Post detailed pictures of the rifle you intend to buy, before you buy it and let the experts, on this site, spot the problems.
I hope this helps..........It is very easy to pay way to much for a 1903 that "looks Original" .............Be careful

[Rick the Librarian]

There are a lot of surviving Mark Is and, as Rimfire suggested, they are not particularly more valuable than "regular" M1903s unless they are in original condition, which this rifle is not.