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1903 Springfield

riley p
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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Comments

9 comments

Date Votes
  • riley p
    have 03 springfield ser # 185xxx. I read that there was a stamp on bottom of reciever that signified if the rifle was safe to shoot. there are a bunch of things stamped on bottom of reciever. does anyone know what the stamp put on by armory to signify that it is safe to shoot.Has 1942 barrel 4-groove.
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  • nmyers
    Everything is relative.

    Following 2 attacks on American soil by the Japanese, there were a lot of folks scared shirtless by the possibility of having to defend the homeland against a massive invasion. The need to replenish the military's store of small arms suddenly seemed more important than the occasional catastrophic failure of a service rifle. The M1 rifle (Garand) had just started to ramp up production, but it had not yet proven itself as a battle rifle, so the military decided to reverse its position that the low number 03's were unsafe & put them back into service.

    In the big picture, when you are at war, the occasional catastrophic failure of a rifle may not be that terrible. However, if YOU are the one experiencing it, it will seem, well, catastrophic. Today, there is no good reason for the sportsman to take a chance firing a low number Springfield rifle; the possibility of failure is still there.

    If you would like to shoot in your club's Service Rifle matches, buy a safe rifle from the Civilian Marksmanship Program.

    Neal
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  • MIKE WISKEY
    Not disputing what nmyers has said, from the info sent out by the cmp there were 19 failures of early 1903 receivers (out of over 1 million in the affected ser. # range from 1903 to the late 1930's) and all of these were with questionable ammo. I have not been able to find one such failure since ww2.
    *note; I may be off a few numbers as I'm doing this from menory
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  • MBK
    I agree with Mike... these have been heavily shot and you just don't find current evidence ( say last 30 years ) of blow-ups.

    It is probably more dangerous to be standing at a bus stop when an old Ford Pinto comes to a stop in front of you.

    Now the bad news...you will have a tough time loading fast enough to compete in timed fire matches...the Garand and Bushmaster shooters have the advantage. Been there.
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  • riley p
    Thanks much for the safety advisory. I respect the knowledge and experience of the members. Though at times I could do without the condescending tone of the message. I've been shooting HP for over 30 years (mostly with a bolt gun) it is hard to keep up with the gas guns in the rapids but that's part of the fun. It can be done, however. From Neal's advise I'm probably better off selling this and getting one with a higher number.

    Now, about those sights..... Is there a reference out there that explains all the different choices for a rear aperture????
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  • nmyers
    If you are still considering an 03-type rifle, CMP used to include an instruction booklet for the 1903 & 1903A3 rifle with a purchase. They sold these booklets for $3.00, but I don't see them listed any more. You might want to email them & see if you can still get one.

    The most obvious improvement in the 1903A3 over the 1903 was adoption of an adjustable rear peep sight, perfect for combat & targets up to 300 yds. So, if you want to shoot a bolt action in the Service Rifle matches, the 1903A3 might be your best choice.

    pix835705984.jpg
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  • jonk
    The sights on the down position reflect a 300 yard battle sight. Raised the peep or notch should get you on at about 200 yards. Maybe 100- when at the bottom.

    I've never had much luck with mine with the peep; too small and too far foward. The U shaped notch is a bit ungainly as well. Personally I find I do best with the battle sight; I got a high sight blade and installed. Ended the problem.
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  • givette
    Riley: If I read you correctly, I'll try and find the distance differences between peep settings, and the "U" notch settings. There is a primary setup, and either the peep, or the "U" is KD backup. Don't remember. I'll post results here. Please "subscribe" to this post. Click on the subscribe button. Best, Joe

    EDIT
    Below is a link explaining the various settings, etc. Concentrate on what "Parashooter" says in his replies. Best, Joe

    http://parallaxscurioandrelicfirearmsforums.yuku.com/topic/3682
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  • riley p
    That and some of the connected info gets it; thanks much for the help!
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