Potential 1903 Mark 1 purchase

[Bar147]

Hello everyone, I've been digging around online and this forum seems like the best place to ask the following.

I'm potentially buying a Springfield 1903 Mark 1 in the next few days and unfortunately I do not know a great deal about these rifles. The seller sent me a few rough photos and I want to closely look over the gun before agreeing to buy it. If someone could provide some details on what I should specifically look for on Mark 1s when I see it in person that would be extremely helpful.

Attachment 108871Attachment 108870Attachment 108872

[John Beard]

The only Mark I part on the rifle is the receiver. The rifle has been arsenal overhauled, refinished, re-barreled, re-stocked with a scant stock, and re-assembled from mixed parts. Under those circumstances, the Mark I designation on the receiver adds very little, if any value above a plain rifle in similar condition.

Good Luck!

J.B.

[Hcompton79]

The original Mark I rifles had a blued finish, straight gripped stock and swept-back bolt handles. The rifle you have pictured has a parkerized finish, a scant stock and a straight bolt handle, leading me to believe this rifle has been through an arsenal refurbishment where it was refinished and the stock and bolt were replaced.

I would also suspect the barrel has been changed out and the special Mark I trigger and magazine cutoff have been removed. In order to determine this though you would need to see the markings on the end of the barrel, magazine cutoff in the "ON" position, and sear from above with the bolt removed. You can see the differences between Mark I and standard parts here:
Correct Springfield Armory Model 1903 Mark I Information, Value (M1903, Mk I, Mk1) - CMP Forums

Based on what i'm seeing, I wouldn't put a premium on it being a Mark I rifle, since it is missing the parts that make a Mark I distinct. It does appear to be a nice example of a 1903 Springfield though, so if the bore is good, pay accordingly.

Edit: actually I think that one has the swept bolt handle still, I thought it was the camera angle at first, but now I think it is swept back.

[Bar147]

Thank you guys for the past reply, very helpful information

[El Woodman]

If your barrel has a date of 1919, that would be original. You might have someone search the SRS database to see if there's anything particularly special about your Mk-1.