[1915 Dated] 1903 Springfield

[usabaker]

I ran across this guy selling a 1903 Springfield (Serial Number 611XXX) manufactured in what I think was 1915. It looks like it was sporterized at some point. The original barrel has been replaced with something else, the receiver looks to have been drilled and part ground to mount a scope.

It does come with it original unmodified stock and handguard (RIA Rebuild) complete with hardware they are correct and complete and really decent condition.

I've been struggling trying to decide if I want another project gun or not if it were not drilled and ground I don't think I would have an issue. It would be a good rifle to use as part of my gunsmith studies, just can't decide. But then the other hardware and stock look to be worth the $150.00 price.

Besides the barrel and front sight of course, the only things missing are the trigger guard/magazine and rear sight assembly, which I already have in my stockpile of parts.

Obviously, with that serial number, it's a wall hanger if I do rebuild it. I just hate to see these historic rifles in this condition. Old rifles make me crazy....

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[browningautorifle]

I've been struggling trying to decide if I want another project gun or not if it were not drilled and ground I don't think I would have an issue.

You can't bring it back to original no matter what you do, cost of an original era barrel will be prohibitive, plus parts. It is what it is...

[usabaker]

You can't bring it back to original no matter what you do,

Nor would I try, there would be no point since it wouldn't be shootable. The I think the Serial Number is in that bad low range. But as a "wall hanger" and gunsmithing practice rifle its might worth a shot, no pun intended. I didn't think barrels in that age group were all that expensive. The stamps on the rifle stock indicate it was RIA rebuilt in the 20's or 30's I run into those barrels all the time $50.00 and up; I even think there was a place online selling de-milled barrels (rod welded inside) for a reasonable amount I think under $25.00. The rest of the parts are easy, I have them.

[rcathey]

At $150, it would be a nice project to convert to shoot 22. If I ever get a WWI era low-number (it's on the list) that's what I'm going to do to it. In an easily reversible fashion, of course.

[usabaker]

At $150, it would be a nice project to convert to shoot 22. If I ever get a WWI era low-number (it's on the list) that's what I'm going to do to it. In an easily reversible fashion, of course.

That's an excellent idea I think I'm going to do just that. I've got a demilled bolt body ( firing pin hole welded closed) that I've been wondering what I'm going to use for sounds like a perfect perfect application

Thanks! any suggestions on where to buy a liner

[Promo]

Can you post pictures of what you have? In the 611 to 612xxx serial range SRS contains two hits for sniper rifles and several for USMC.

[usabaker]

Can you post pictures of what you have? In the 611 to 612xxx serial range, SRS contains two hits for sniper rifles and several for USMC.

I've not purchased it yet. As soon as I get it i'll post up some pictures of the ugly lady.

It looks like it has a 1917 US Winchester Barrel on it though, the same style front sight...

[rcathey]

Thanks! any suggestions on where to buy a liner

The Numrich kit from decades ago basically used a barrel where the outside of the chamber end was shaped like a 30-06 cartridge. It was machined in such a manner to lock into the locking lugs of the receiver. Someone please correct me if I'm remembering that wrong.
The triggerguard was modified and accepted a 5 shot magazine. From a Harrington and Richardson..or maybe a Marlin, I believe.

If that is correct, it's the route I'd go with my conversion project. Something like this: Server Error could probably be machined down to accomplish this.

I have a line on one of those Numrich kits. Might be able to snag it in early February. I pretend to be a buyer-reseller and this could make me a very pretty penny...but I also know where I could buy a nice WWI Rock Island that it sure would go nice in!

[browningautorifle]

Thanks! any suggestions on where to buy a liner

Matter of fact, there's a member here that did them to a pistol caliber, not .22. They have a much lower pressure and would have perhaps a 30 cal bullet so you could use the standard barrel, different chamber. I'd take a suitable barrel and sleeve a new chamber into it for say...7.62 x 25...use a different mag follower so it acted as a feedway and you'd have to sort your extractor out...

[rcathey]

I'd take a suitable barrel and sleeve a new chamber into it for say...7.62 x 25....

Oh my...I like that idea even better. Bit of a zip (more than 22) and still cheap to plink around with. I’ll have to file that one away, Jim. Very cool idea.