1903 Springfield .22 trainer. Any value?
Dad has what we think is an M1903. It's a trainer as it has the cartridges in the magwell for the .22 shorts. It has been ground on, between the sight and the ejection port all the way from the left side to the right side[:(!], the slider on the rear sight is missing, and the sling is gone along with the lower butt mount sling swivel. The rest of the rifle, is oddly, in very good condition wood/steel/blueing. Any idea of a value range?
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Need quality photos for accurate identification and valuation.
This link gives instructions for posting photos.
http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2592940 -
There was a .22 short caliber 1903 Springfield called the Hoffer-Thompson. It used auxiliary cartridges into which the .22 short rounds were inserted. They worked through the magazine and when fired the .22 bullet went through the auxiliary cartridge into the .22 cal barrel. The chamber would be a .30-'06 size but the bore diameter would be .22. Does this sound like what you have? If so it is more valuable and desirable to collectors than the regular 1903. As in all collectable guns, any modifications from as issued conditions greatly reduces the value.
The auxiliary cartridges are valuable. Don't discard any of them.0 -
Here is a photo I got off the net of the chamber area of a Hoffer-Thompson Springfield, showing the markings on the receiver. It boggles the mind that someone would grind off this area from the top of the receiver. 
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JP- I hate to bring this up, but if the grinding removed the serial number, it is a federal felony to possess, value is whatever you could get for the parts that are left after you take an acetylene torch to the receiver. [:(] 0 -
I agree with the previous poster. It looks like your between a rock and a hard place, as far as the Hoffer-Thompson trainer is concerned. Unfortunately the individual who ground off the receiver markings not only destroyed it's considerable collector value, but turned it into a illegal/contraband firearm as far as the feds are concerned. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by rufe-snow
Here is a photo I got off the net of the chamber area of a Hoffer-Thompson Springfield, showing the markings on the receiver. It boggles the mind that someone would grind off this area from the top of the receiver.
Yup, that is it, and that is what they did 180 degreesfrom the left half around to the right half. How could anybody be that stupid?0 -
But, on the bright side, the bolt, barrel, stock, & handguards could bring several hundred $.
If you can find a discrete local gunsmith to take it apart for you....
Neal
EDIT: The altered SN law applies to any gun made after 1898. In the past, ATF has given permission to restamp a SN on guns when it has been lost through refinishing, or a recovered stolen gun. It's on a case by case basis. You can write them a letter with photos & request permission. However, by asking, you have given them a prima facie case that you have committed a felony punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison. Not much point taking a chance, is there? Especially since collector value has already been lost. If this post gets locked, you can open a new one with Part II in the title.0 -
quote:Originally posted by 11b6r
JP- I hate to bring this up, but if the grinding removed the serial number, it is a federal felony to possess, value is whatever you could get for the parts that are left after you take an acetylene torch to the receiver. [:(]
Nice! I think it would be on that location, and I can't find it anywhere else. Is that ALSO the case on an antique/C&R or just modern firearms?
Infringements. Knives aren't required to have SN's. Neither are broadheads.
If this is the case, Dad is gonna be extremely bummed.
Mods, can you let this run a post or two more for this to be answered?0 -
Is it possible to get a new serial number assigned - I've read that can be done, don't know if the possessor of this gun would basically have to call ATF and say "I have this illegal gun, can you help me ....?"
I think the removing serial number and possession being illegal was a provision of GCA 68 - if the serial number was removed before that and if there (just supposing) happens to be another serial number elsewhere on the gun that the OP missed, would the gun be legal?0 -
quote:Originally posted by dfletcher
Is it possible to get a new serial number assigned - I've read that can be done, don't know if the possessor of this gun would basically have to call ATF and say "I have this illegal gun, can you help me ....?"
That's what I mean, rules for antique/C&R and replicas are much different than modern.0 -
Might want to slow down before cutting up a rifle. For decades before the law was passed in 1968 thousands of 1903's and others had the serial number ground off.
This was common practice for many custom gunmakers, look at every Griffin & Howe made before 1968.
Please send me some photos at mjpetrov@acsalaska.net and I'll see if I can help.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=2158952400 -
quote:Originally posted by MP
Might want to slow down before cutting up a rifle. For decades before the law was passed in 1968 thousands of 1903's and other had the serial number ground off.
Please send me some photos at mjpetrov@acsalaska.net and I'll see if I can help.
I'll go out to the farm today and get some. It's a beautiful rifle. If others would like I will put them up here too.
I will go now, gotta run a couple errands. See you all after bit.0 -
quote:Originally posted by rufe-snow
Here is a photo I got off the net of the chamber area of a Hoffer-Thompson Springfield, showing the markings on the receiver. It boggles the mind that someone would grind off this area from the top of the receiver.
Maybe I'm just totally clueless here, but I see a serial number- 352035. What's been ground off?0
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