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    Legacy Member CaptSimon's Avatar
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    Mystery 1903

    Hello,

    So I saw this and decided to bid on it, now im trying to see if its worth even if I bid on it or am I screwed: Unmarked Model 1903 Springfield - 30-06 - Experimental? - Bolt Action Rifles at GunBroker.com : 876162918

    Thoughts are appreciated

    Bernard
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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

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    Contributing Member rcathey's Avatar
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    That is a weird one.
    To me, it feels more like someone had a receiver casting, did a lot of work to it, and cobbled together a rifle out of it.

    If this were some crazy rare prototype, I don’t think the finish on the receiver would look like that.

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    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
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    I'm thinking it's a put together. Even experimental rifles have markings. Hard to say where the receiver came from.
    Regards, Jim

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    Legacy Member Salt Flat's Avatar
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    I saw a couple of receivers (only) like this for sale on the Hoosiers Gun Parts site a few years ago. They were described as 1901 Trials Experimental, unfinished and not heat treated. Someone at Hossiers might know more about these. It would be interesting to know if the one on Gunbroker is heat treated. Salt Flat

    I went to the Hoosiers site and they still have some pictures and info regarding these 1901 Trials experimental receivers. Here's the link. --Salt Flat

    1901
    Last edited by Salt Flat; 08-08-2020 at 01:27 AM.

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    Legacy Member m1903rifle's Avatar
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    Definitely one of the so called M1901 receivers. The bolt has the safety lug ground down so that it will enter the receiver. The rear sight resembles one found on M1903 Rod bayonet rifles. The stock is a later one with both reinforcing screws. And, last but not least, it has a Rod bayonet front sight. Totally a "put together" outside the arsenal.

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    Legacy Member twh's Avatar
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    As stated it appears to be a random conglomeration of parts using one of the unfinished 1901 receivers. The area of concern I would have is someone buying it and trying to shoot it. As I remember it some one examined one of these and found it had never been heat treated.

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    So, with all this said...could one get a receiver of this ilk heat treated? Who would do it and to what standard? Is there a Rockwell number? Anyone know what would be done here?
    Regards, Jim

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    Legacy Member Mk VII's Avatar
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    The absence of the 'hump' on the clip bridge and the cut-off housing extended forward of the thumb cut identify this as a M1901 receiver, numbers of which were sold off to Bannerman in a partially finished state and made up by him with a mixture of Kragicon and obsolete Springfield parts.

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    Contributing Member fjruple's Avatar
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    a number of these unmarked receivers showed up after the Springfield Armory closed back in the 1960's

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    It has made the rounds over the years. It is simply put, a cobbled together 1903. The rear sight is a Kragicon 1902 sight. The screws are not correct and do not fit properly. The receiver is very questionable. AS is it even safe to fire. With no marking at all I would never attempt to fire it. Now there are some nice parts not not worth the asking price.

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