I was at Cabelas last night and I was looking at the used rifles and this Springfield 1903 really caught my attention. The wood was in pretty good condition some small nicks but that is to be expected to some degree. It had a rear peep sight that had some rust on it. The barrel shroud had some rust on it, there wasn't too much. I didn't have a chance to look at the crown or the bore because they had all kinds of zip ties holding the bolt on, as well as a trigger lock. Some of the wood that is above the barrel was a little loose. It was priced at 600 dollars with the limited information I have, what do you think about the price and should I go back there and buy it.
Price Check Springfield 1903
- Thread starter Glock22
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I'm not an expert on the '03, but if the condition is better than the one's the CMP is selling now for $500, it sounds good.
http://www.odcmp.com/Services/Rifles/m1903.htm
The CMP '03's don't sound too good.
I would go back with a bore light and if the bore is Ok, and you want it, buy it. Also, there is some problem with the low serial number '03's, so check that as well. (See the CMP link for details).
I'm sure others will chime in with more authoritative advise soon.
http://www.odcmp.com/Services/Rifles/m1903.htm
The CMP '03's don't sound too good.
I would go back with a bore light and if the bore is Ok, and you want it, buy it. Also, there is some problem with the low serial number '03's, so check that as well. (See the CMP link for details).
I'm sure others will chime in with more authoritative advise soon.
Good morning all. It's time to update this thread. I have been searching around THR for updated prices for SA 1903s and SA 1903A3s. I haven't been able to locate any recent prices. I went to the CMP website and they have none listed, nor are they taking orders.
At present, I have an offer from a collector to purchase a SA 1903-A3 which is listed in "Very Good Condition". The collector's asking price, for me, is $695.00 The collector states that it would be listed for $1,500.00 for anyone else is it is taken to the gun show.
My question, what is a reasonable price for a SA 1903-A3 in "Very Good Condition"?
Thanks,
Doc2005
At present, I have an offer from a collector to purchase a SA 1903-A3 which is listed in "Very Good Condition". The collector's asking price, for me, is $695.00 The collector states that it would be listed for $1,500.00 for anyone else is it is taken to the gun show.
My question, what is a reasonable price for a SA 1903-A3 in "Very Good Condition"?
Thanks,
Doc2005
Jim Watson
Member
In the first place, there is no such thing as a "SA 1903 A3" if you mean "SA" to represent Springfield Armory. Springfield did not make 1903A3 rifles, they were fully engaged in manufacturing M1s. All 1903A3s were made by Smith Corona or Remington.
Know what you are buying.
A 1903 or a 1903A3 is probably reasonable at $650 in today's market, if, IF it is correct as issued. I think $1500 would be too much unless it were pristine, much nicer than Very Good.
Know what you are buying.
A 1903 or a 1903A3 is probably reasonable at $650 in today's market, if, IF it is correct as issued. I think $1500 would be too much unless it were pristine, much nicer than Very Good.
I know precious little about the 1903. This is precisely why I am posting before I go to see it...I have to educate myself first. Goodness knows we can't believe everything we read on the net.
I also saw a Remington 1903 at a local gun store and they were asking $550ish. It was a pretty nice-looking rifle.
I was skeptical at face value about the it would be posted for $1,500, but would sell it to me for $695?! Why?! That caught my attention big-time! I located this website for serial numbers: http://home.att.net/~vishooter/m1903.html
I would prefer to take a bit long and to spend a bit more to get a nice-quality rifle than to rush in. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Any pics would be doubly-appreciated.
Doc2005
I also saw a Remington 1903 at a local gun store and they were asking $550ish. It was a pretty nice-looking rifle.
I was skeptical at face value about the it would be posted for $1,500, but would sell it to me for $695?! Why?! That caught my attention big-time! I located this website for serial numbers: http://home.att.net/~vishooter/m1903.html
I would prefer to take a bit long and to spend a bit more to get a nice-quality rifle than to rush in. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Any pics would be doubly-appreciated.
Doc2005
Gator
Member
Remington 1903s (not 03A3s) are not as common as the others, $550 is a very good price for a rebuilt one, and a fantastic price for one with its original parts!
The one that I will be viewing at the collector's home is (according to the collector)
"...a Springfield 1903, and is a WWI-era manufacturer."
Since the collector could not immediately locate the paperwork for the rifle I could not get much information. Ergo I plan to see it in person and write down details. The collector also stated that,
"...the rifle appears to have been a Drill rifle because it came with a white sling".
To date, that is all of the details that I have re: the Springfield.
My concern is not so much to get a Springfield versus Remington or other. I want to purchase one that will be accurate, reliable and a decent investment in our country's history. Since I do want to hunt with it, accuracy is a premium concern. The one concern I have heard for the Springfields is low serial numbers and improper receiver hardening. That matter was corrected in the higher serial number models. I don't want to purchase one that due to strength concerns has to sit unfired and unused.
Thanks for the input all. I will appreciate any advice anyone can provide.
Doc2005
"...a Springfield 1903, and is a WWI-era manufacturer."
Since the collector could not immediately locate the paperwork for the rifle I could not get much information. Ergo I plan to see it in person and write down details. The collector also stated that,
"...the rifle appears to have been a Drill rifle because it came with a white sling".
To date, that is all of the details that I have re: the Springfield.
My concern is not so much to get a Springfield versus Remington or other. I want to purchase one that will be accurate, reliable and a decent investment in our country's history. Since I do want to hunt with it, accuracy is a premium concern. The one concern I have heard for the Springfields is low serial numbers and improper receiver hardening. That matter was corrected in the higher serial number models. I don't want to purchase one that due to strength concerns has to sit unfired and unused.
Thanks for the input all. I will appreciate any advice anyone can provide.
Doc2005
Gator
Member
Red flag #1
Red flag #2.
I'd pass on this one.
Gator:
We think alike: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
I'll get as much detail as possible then repost before I make a purchase of either, or some other.
For what it's worth, I have signed up for the Garand Collectors Association, and since I have a MCPL (CCW), I can make future purchases of Garands, 1903s, etc through the CMP. But they don't have any 1903s listed right now.
Doc2005
We think alike: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
I'll get as much detail as possible then repost before I make a purchase of either, or some other.
For what it's worth, I have signed up for the Garand Collectors Association, and since I have a MCPL (CCW), I can make future purchases of Garands, 1903s, etc through the CMP. But they don't have any 1903s listed right now.
Doc2005
porsche
Member
i bought a mark I ( a 1903 with the cut out for the pedersen device on the left side of the receiver). the rifle is in amazing condition although the stock likely had been sanded as hard to find cartouche). paid $500 through a private seller.
i believe that some of these guns were used by ROTC and VA groups and have had a lot of handling. one other catagory i would be wary of is the recent drill rifle sales with the rod in bores and the welded boltfaces and cutoffs. at least one advertiser of these rifles has claimed they are easy [if not illegal] to convert to useable status but i have to believe that these "conversions 1. may not be safe to shoot; and 2. may be of substantially reduced value.
they are beautiful arms and worth owning.
i believe that some of these guns were used by ROTC and VA groups and have had a lot of handling. one other catagory i would be wary of is the recent drill rifle sales with the rod in bores and the welded boltfaces and cutoffs. at least one advertiser of these rifles has claimed they are easy [if not illegal] to convert to useable status but i have to believe that these "conversions 1. may not be safe to shoot; and 2. may be of substantially reduced value.
they are beautiful arms and worth owning.
I have seen some of those listed. Shameful that it happened to any of these firearms.
The Springfield 1903 that I will see tomorrow came from another collector's holdings after his passing. The current collector purchases entire collections and resells them. At times, he also offers up some of his own personally owned firearms, as was the case of the M1 Garand that I purchased from him.
The one question that I asked him to confirm was that it is a
"...fully functioning, Springfield 1903, chambered in .30-06, correct?"
To which he responded,
"Yes, and I think it is one of the finest examples of this model that you will find anywhere."
That assurance and a $1.00 will get you a cup of coffee at some restaurants. They would likely prefer the payment be made with the dollar.
The Springfield 1903 that I will see tomorrow came from another collector's holdings after his passing. The current collector purchases entire collections and resells them. At times, he also offers up some of his own personally owned firearms, as was the case of the M1 Garand that I purchased from him.
The one question that I asked him to confirm was that it is a
"...fully functioning, Springfield 1903, chambered in .30-06, correct?"
To which he responded,
"Yes, and I think it is one of the finest examples of this model that you will find anywhere."
That assurance and a $1.00 will get you a cup of coffee at some restaurants. They would likely prefer the payment be made with the dollar.
transformerguru
Member
I paid $700 fr my 1903 with a '28 dated barrel. If I were you I would do the bullet test, take a 30-06 cartage to see if the barrel has been shot out. And make sure the bolt functions smoothly.
P5 Guy
Member
Drill rifles had the barrel blocked with a rod. The rods were welded in and even though they can be cut out I would consider a drill rifle unfireable.
ShunZu
member
I recently (2 months ago) sold my Springfield '03 BUILT in 1903 (serial number 47XX) with an original 1917 sling. No bayonet. Rebarreled in '42. I'd had it for over 20 years without shooting it. Sold it on gunbroker.com for $900. It was a pure collector, but in good shape and had a WW II cleaning & oil kit in its stock. Hope that helps ballpark your potential purchase. They are great rifles, imho... with lots of history and nostalgia.
Rifles have been built on the drill rifle receivers. They also welded the bolt stop in, welded the firing pin hole in the bolt closed, and welded the barrel to the receiver underneath. Look closely at the bolt stop area of the receiver for different finish, and recontoured metal. Bolts are simple to replace, it wouldnt be much of a clue.
The drill rifle receivers may be fine as shooters, but they don't have the same value as unaltered original guns.
The drill rifle receivers may be fine as shooters, but they don't have the same value as unaltered original guns.
jpwilly
Member
What do you think of mine?
Well, I saw the rifle and picked it up...bought it too. It is a Springfield 1903, serial number 864XXX. Records indicate it was made in late 1918. The barrel is also original, stamped "10" "18" at the top of the barrel by the front sight. The finish actually looks pretty nice for a 90-year-old rifle! The bore is pretty clean, again, in light of the age. The muzzle shows far more wear than say my M1 Garand. But, it's pretty old. I'll post some pictures after I test fire it. I don't expect MOA groups, but never bought it for target-shooting. It would be fun to use it for deer hunting, or hog hunting. Time will tell.
Thanks for the help all.
Doc2005
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It is a Springfield 1903, serial number 864XXX. Records indicate it was made in late 1918. The barrel is also original, stamped "10" "18" at the top of the barrel by the front sight. The finish actually looks pretty nice for a 90-year-old rifle! The bore is pretty clean, again, in light of the age. The muzzle shows far more wear than say my M1 Garand. But, it's pretty old. I'll post some pictures after I test fire it. I don't expect MOA groups, but never bought it for target-shooting. It would be fun to use it for deer hunting, or hog hunting. Time will tell.Thanks for the help all.
Doc2005
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I had the opportunity to take the Springfield 1903 to the range. Given the apparent amount of muzzle wear, I didn't try to fire the rifle at 100 yards. Instead, I benched it at the 30 yard line and fired a total of 8 rounds. I was truly impressed that it turned in under 1" groups. Yes, at 30 yards, but given the muzzle wear, I figured I would see 2" to 3" groups even at that range.
It may be the case that I am simply perceiving the muzzle as worn when in fact these rifles perhaps had rifling that simply was not cut as-deep-as that on Garands. When I get some time, I'll take it with a sling, and proper sandbags to see what it is truly capable of grouping. The one comment that I can make at this point is that this rifle has an impressive trigger, and I am completely enamored with the thin front sight.
More later. Any insights about the 1903s' barrels and rifling would be appreciated.
Edit to add: I bought some "match" ammo, and so when I try it when some match ammo, I will post a few targets.
Thanks,
Doc2005
It may be the case that I am simply perceiving the muzzle as worn when in fact these rifles perhaps had rifling that simply was not cut as-deep-as that on Garands. When I get some time, I'll take it with a sling, and proper sandbags to see what it is truly capable of grouping. The one comment that I can make at this point is that this rifle has an impressive trigger, and I am completely enamored with the thin front sight.
More later. Any insights about the 1903s' barrels and rifling would be appreciated.
Edit to add: I bought some "match" ammo, and so when I try it when some match ammo, I will post a few targets.
Thanks,
Doc2005
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Chipperman
Member
Congrats!
Neat that it was made during WWI, albeit only a month before the end.
Neat that it was made during WWI, albeit only a month before the end.
Thanks. This rifle, as well as the Garand, mean a lot to me because of who sold them to me...Chief Collins. Now retired, he has a total of around 42 years service. Even in the face of his very advanced years, the man is sharp-as-a-tack! It is a lot of fun to stand and talk with him about his extensive military experience, and the changes to the military's weapons over the decades. This rifle too, as was the Garand, was from his own personal collection. For other folks that may be insignificant, but for me, he seems more like an uncle, than some random FFL.
Jim Watson
Member
You have a "Hatcher Hole" indicating that your rifle was worked on by the USMC. The Marines, always short of money, could not afford to withdraw the low number rifles from service as the Army recommended (but only did partly), so they drilled an extra vent hole in the receiver in an effort to keep a casehead separation from demolishing a brittle receiver.
Read at:
http://www.jouster.com/articles30m1/usmc_rebuilding_m1903.htm
Do NOT feed this rifle cheap foreign surplus or Joe's Basement reloads. It has lasted a long time with good quality US service and commercial ammo, don't wreck it trying to pinch pennies.
Read at:
http://www.jouster.com/articles30m1/usmc_rebuilding_m1903.htm
Do NOT feed this rifle cheap foreign surplus or Joe's Basement reloads. It has lasted a long time with good quality US service and commercial ammo, don't wreck it trying to pinch pennies.
You paid $ 695 for that ?
Very very suspicious the recvr being a fresh repark grey and the barrel % 20 finish and a Light grey refinished looking bolt....
Looks like you bought a cobbled together parts gun...You got robbed.
Super red flag !
Very very suspicious the recvr being a fresh repark grey and the barrel % 20 finish and a Light grey refinished looking bolt....
Looks like you bought a cobbled together parts gun...You got robbed.
Super red flag !
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Gator
Member
And what do you think would have been a fair price? The stock alone on Doc2005s rifle is worth $300-$400, and maybe more.
Nice rifle Doc!
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