Springfield '03 - rifle of my dreams?

[dvdcrr]

Yeah but reason never seems to stop me.

 

[monotonous_iterancy]

I assume that it would be like disassembling a Mosin right? I've only taken the handguard off it once. To clean the Springfield, wouldn't the only necessary thing to do be removing the bolt?

 

[GBExpat]

Yeah but reason never seems to stop me.

Apparently.

You lobbed that one right over the center of the plate ... someone had to swing. <chuckle>

 

[monotonous_iterancy]

So the next time I go there, what exactly should I look for that would tell me if it's collectable enough to justify that price tag?

 

[highpower]

So the next time I go there, what exactly should I look for that would tell me if it's collectable enough to justify that price tag?

Here is a quick primer on what to look for:

The barrel date should be no more that three months earlier than the production date of the receiver. This the date that is located just behind the front sight. If it is marked H-S, SA or has a 44 date, it is the wrong barrel and I would walk away unless the price was substantially reduced.

The stock should be a straight grip type like this.


It should have cartouches on the left side of the stock at the wrist. This is a shot of the cartouches on a Smith-Corona.


All Remington and Smith-Corona stocks will have the same cartouches, except that later production Remington will sometimes have a 'RA' stamp in front of the crossed cannons and boxed 'FJA'. Sometimes the rifles went through an arsenal inspection and will have the inspecting facilities stamp on it also. Note the 'RIA' in front of the cut off recess and the 'RA' in front of the cartouches on this Remington. It is a bit hard to see on this one as some jackass sanded the stock in the past.

There are inspectors stamps in front of the triggerguard. Remington:


S-C stamps look the same but use a different set of numbers inside of the circles/squares/triangles.


Note that the portion of the triggerguard just to the rear of the front guard screw is curved on the S-C and straight on the Remington.

There are two main differences between the original stock manufactures that are easy to spot. One is the cut out for the lower band retaining spring. the Remington cut in the stock has square ends and the S-C has round ends.

Remington.


Smith-Corona.


The other sure fire way to tell is the firing proof stamp behind the triggerguard. Remington used a 7/16" stamp and S-C used a 1/2' stamp. If the rifle was rebuilt there will be a second 'P' stamp also. Sometimes the second proof is in a square or it may be just by itself.

Remington.


S-C.


All small parts on a Remington will be marked with an 'R'. If a part has a 'RA' or 'R-P' it is a replacement. The same parts that are marked on a Remington are usually unmarked on a S-C. Most small parts on a Remington are blued (bayonet lug, stacking swivel and band, lower band and sling swivel, bolt assembly, triggerguard and screws.

There is some other small details, but this should get you started.

 

[xfyrfiter]

I own an original bayonet with issue scabbard that was a WWII bring back off my dads issue rifle. Uncle would not let the rifle go, as it was an issue sniper, with a scope.

 

[shafter]

When I held that gun, the wellsprings of patriotism rose within me. Forget about those poorly made commie guns, forget about the Mausers, the Carcanos and all that. This gun could have stormed Guadalcanal, it was quality, solid, and made in America for Americans. It would make a nice companion piece for the M1 Garand I'm getting.

What better reason could anyone give for buying a rifle? I say go for it! Is your Garand coming from the CMP?

 

[monotonous_iterancy]

What better reason could anyone give for buying a rifle? I say go for it! Is your Garand coming from the CMP?

Yes. I haven't sent the check in, but I think I've finally got all the qualifications in order.

I just really, really hope they give me a Walnut stock. I don't care if it's original or new manufacture, I just don't want that ugly orange birch.

 

[Reloadron]

I just really, really hope they give me a Walnut stock. I don't care if it's original or new manufacture, I just don't want that ugly orange birch.

Ugly? Ugly you say? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!



I like the ugly orange birch. I could easily stain it but I like it as it is. This ugly rifle looks fine to me. The GI stock was stripped and only an oil finish applied.



I could put it in new walnut for about $100 but have come to like this ugly rifle.

Ron

 

[monotonous_iterancy]

I guess I just like surplus rifles to have darker wood. It makes it seem more tough, rugged, worthy of the name battle rifle. But that's just me.

I must say though, yours doesn't look bad.

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

ugly? debatable

not as pretty as the walnut with an oil finish? the vast majority would agree

 

[Reloadron]

My walnut one is in the mix. I just had to comment on the ugly birch.

Now we can resume the 03A3............

Ron

 

[monotonous_iterancy]

Alright, how does it compare to a Mauser?

The only large caliber bolt actions I've ever fired are a Mosin 91/30, and a Ruger M77 in .270. How does it compare to those?

 

[Tinpig]

I have a 1929 Springfield 1903 and a 1943 Remington 03A3. They are two of my favorite rifles to look at and to shoot.

The price seems a little high to me, but who knows these days.
You don't have to jump too fast, take your time and enjoy looking around, there are plenty out there. You will absolutely love the 03A3 or the 1903, or the 1917 for that matter. Garands are better than great, but there's also something special about the old bolt-actions.
Don't be distracted by bayonets and slings and pretty wood. If you're going to shoot it the most important thing to look for (assuming the rifle is safe) is the condition of the bore. A spotless, beautiful, inaccurate rifle gets tiresome fast.

Tinpig

 

[50 Shooter]

Had the 1903 out yesterday, what a great shooter! Ran surplus and reloads through it, everything worked great. Didn't have to do any adjusting to the sights other then adjusting it for different ranges. It hammered everything, I didn't need a spotter as you could hear the thump on the metal targets.

You did say you wanted the 1903 right? LOL