1903 original barrel?

[BigDZaleski]

I've got an old Springfield 1903, s# 1,32x,xxx, custom "sporterized". Noticed yesterday that the barrel has "30-06" spamped on it in very small type. Seemed a bit strange to me since I'm not aware of another .30 cal rifle in military service in the 30's. I have read that many of the preWWII 1903's were re-barreled because of ammo issues. Donno if this was an original barrel stamping (unlikely), a military re-fit, or something that was done during the sporterization. I was hoping there was someone out there with some knowledge about the 1903 who could tell me a bit more about it. Searched the internet a few time and get the same old crap, wiki, ads for replacement barrels, etc. Not real concerned, just curious, so any comments are welcome. Knowledgeable comments will be especially apreciated.
Thanx
D

 

[cuervo]

The main issue that Springfield and Rock Island 1903 rifles had were improper heat treatment. For Springfields, the cutoff s/n is usually taken to be 800,000 since there isn't an exact point where the heat treatment was fixed. The prudent advice is not to fire any Springfield below 800,000 or Rock Island below 286,506.

Since yours is higher than that, it is safe to shoot. Yours was made probably sometime in 1929. More than likely it went through at least one arsenal overhaul before being sold for surplus and then having someone sporterize it. The only markings the 1903 barrel should have is a proof mark, mfg, and date, right behind the front sight.

Pictures are always good. Jouster.com is a good source for military rifle information.

 

[az_imuth]

I don't recall seeing .30-06 stamped anywhere on my 1903 barrel, but it's possible that I have overlooked it. Mine was made in 1920 (12072xx) and still has the original barrel.

Whereabouts on your barrel is this stamped?

 

[USSR]

cuervo is correct. Military issue .30-06 barrels will not have ".30-06" stamped on them.

Don

 

[BigDZaleski]

The stamp is about an inch forward of the Williams aftermarket rear sight, approx where the barrel taper ends.
There are no stamping marks near the front sight that I can see but the barrel is only about 18" so either it was cut from the original 24" (? pretty sure that was it) or the barrel is aftermarket. It is possible that there are stampings under the front sight as it is about 3' long and 1/2" wide but I don't think I'm gonna pull it off just to find out right now.
I'll post some pics of it as soon as I take some. Probably be a good idea for insurance reasons. I have no idea why I've never thought of that before. Anyhow, thank you all for the input.

 

[BigDZaleski]

Cuervo, thanx for the info bout Jouster.com
wish Id had that a couple days ago, would have been able to find out that it is an aftermarket barrel. Looks nothing like the original barrels I saw on the site.

 

[ball3006]

GI barrels have the date of mfg right behind the front sight.....chris3