'03 Springfields from CMP

[Dirk Pitt]

OK Guys I have my stuff together and I want to order a '03 from CMP (I have ordered a Garand before) Here is their list

M1903 Springfield High Serial Number - $450.00
M1903 Springfield Mark I - $450.00
M1903 Remington - $450.00

I am not familiar with the differences above. So
Which one is the "best" I am just looking for a good shooter that's not beat to death.
Thanks

 

[Bentley8]

If you go over to the forums off the CMP website you can see what others have posted about this issue.

It seems, in general, that the Springfields have a higher number that were rebarreled. More likely to get an original barrel with a Remington, but it's more likely to be well-worn. Mark I's are simply Springfields that had a hole cut in the wall of the receiver for the Pedersen device. Other than that, it's just another Springfield.

All 1903's are mechanically sound and should function just fine. You can put a post-it note on your order for a good barrel, but it's going to be a crap shoot no matter what you do. I don't know if new barrels are available anywhere.

In terms of wood condition, that's the biggest gamble. Some stocks have been in great shape and others look like they were dragged behind a truck. It's easier to find a replacement stock, like the ones from Boyds than to try and get a great stock from the CMP.

I would go with a Springfield and put a note on your order politely requesting a good barrel. You could get the Mark I if you want something that's a little more unique.

 

[mole]

I don't know if new barrels are available anywhere.

I saw a few months ago where aimsurplus was selling barrels. I believe that they were 03a3 barrels, and I don't have a clue whether or not they will fit.

I am a big fan of the Dirk Pitt novels by Clive Cussler. Quite a few gun errors though.

 

[Dirk Pitt]

Thanks for the info guys

Dirk Pitt is a great fictional character and I agree lots of gun goofs.

 

[alamo]

I asked the same question on the CMP forum awhile back. Here's a good reply that I got:

High numbered Springfield: 1918ish-1930's 1903 rifle produced at the Springfield Armoury

Remington: WWII era version of the above rifle made by remington. There are actually two variations, the first 50,000 are basically identical to the earlier Springfield production models. The "Modified" variation has stamped bands and non-fingergrooved stocks.

MK I: 1918-1920 Were rifles that fired semi-automatic with the use of the Pederson device. Has an ejection cutout on the left side of the reciever and top of the reciever is marked "MK I", there are some other parts different on the MK I; trigger, sear, ect......but most of the CMP MK I's will have standard 1903 parts on them.

These are rebuilt rifles, A MK I could have a 1943 Remington barrel, Scant grip stock, Nickel Steel Rock Island bolt, and stamped trigger guard. I've also seen a 1903 Modified Remington in a Rock Island Fingergroove stock. One of the 1903 high numbered Springfield's I recieved came with a like new 1943 Remington barrel, stamped triggerguard, and a WWII "CC" Replacement bolt.