1903 Springfield

RoadRunnerTR21

February 13, 2013 09:09

A friend suggested I ask the pros so here goes:

Ser. # 883xxx

RIA over flaming bomb at top of barrel

2-19 below flaming bomb

U.S. Springfield Armory Model 1903 on the reciever

Very nice Parkerized finish on the metal.

Stock has the following markings:

224 stamped on the top of the handguard, forward of the rear sight.

Just above the triggerguard are two stampings, both enclosed in boxes. First one reads W.J.S. and the second is S.A. over S.P.G.

Any information greatly appreciated.

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  RoadRunnerTR21

  February 13, 2013 09:09

  #916xxx date of mfg. please anyone.

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  rufe-snow

  February 13, 2013 09:18

  Looks nice, but it's been sporterized. Completely kills it's value, as far as a collector is concerned. All it is now is a flashy deer rifle, and it would be valued accordingly. Although some few would love to own it, others wouldn't own it to use as a tent stake.

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  nmyers

  February 13, 2013 10:18

  I would expect it to sell in the $150-200 range.
  
  Neal

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  mark christian

  February 13, 2013 10:24

  Probably around $300 or less in my area. The stock, while it looks nice, is a bit over the top with it's engraving and won't appeal to everyone. Simple walnut with no embellishments are preferred for hunters, who will be the only potential buyers.

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  CDMead

  February 13, 2013 11:34

  Not worth a darn to me, but YMMV.
  
  This brings to mind an old saying that the easiest way to make a $200 rifle is to sporterize a $500 rifle.

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  charliemeyer007

  February 13, 2013 13:33

  You should take it out and shoot it. I had one of the Sedgley re-heat treated Springfield that was punched out to 300 Gibbs. It was the second most accurate rifle I ever shot.

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  Smitty500mag

  February 13, 2013 18:25

  I've got an old Remington sporterized 03-A3 that I paid $175 for. It's not worth much but it's a great shooter and it's the most accurate shooting rifle that I've got in my safe. A gun smith in Birmingham, AL built it back quiet a few years ago. He put a Douglas barrel on it, some Red Field Scope rings, did a lot of milling on the receiver to sleek it down, did some engraving in a few places and jeweled the bolt and put one of the best blue jobs on it that I've seen on any gun in a while. Like I said it's not worth anything as a collector but for shooting you can't beat it plus I can leave it in the truck when I go into a restaurant or what ever when I'm traveling and not worry to much about it getting stolen like I would a more expensive rifle.
  
  

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  MP

  February 13, 2013 19:07

  There are a wide range of carved stocks and like any art it's subjective.
  
  
  
  

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  Ray Boone

  February 13, 2013 22:47

  I think that action was made after Springfield stopped making the Mark I but while they were using the Double-heat treated method. According to Hatcher's Notebook and tests conducted by PO Ackley the double heat treated actions were the strongest of any 1903 design with a surface hardness that allowed very smooth operation. It was made after the war, but 3 years later it was rebarrelled; which considering that chlorate primers were used is not too surprising. Most of those that appreciated the workmanship in the Springfields are no longer with us. Most of the younger set has come down in favor of CNC machining, Investment casting and synthetic stocks. As noted, the main interest in these rifles is in unmodified service rifles, so it's not likely to get the price that it once would have or that it deserves.

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  RoadRunnerTR21

  February 14, 2013 03:11

  Thanks for all of your feedback folks. This gives me some great information to pass along to the owner.

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  freddbear4

  February 14, 2013 10:11

  There has been a lot of negative print on Bubba-jobs of military bolt action rifles. Today the high value Springfields are the ones that are as close to factory issue as possible. The truth of the matter is there are some out there that are sporterized and truly works of art. Think how much money it would cost today for the quality of workmanship that went into the checkering, blueing, or rebarreling of some of these conversions. Mine were put together by two quality gunsmiths in Ionia, Mich. back in the 50's and 60's that have since succumbed to old age. I have never seen a pre-64 Winchester or current production rifle that looked any better or shot any straighter. They are a part of American gunsmithing history.

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