Questions Re: 1907 Vintage Springfield '03 Finish Appearance and Combat Service

[Deacon]

Good evening, Gentlemen,

In Gun Digest's volume of Standard Catalog of Military Firearms, it states that the receivers on Springfield '03's manufactured between 1907 and 1910 would have had a "black or mottled" finish. Is this correct?

Also, could a 1907 manufactured '03 have been used in WW1 in it's original configuration, or would all rifles of this early vintage have been rearsonaled prior to service in that war, thus being upgraded with all the latest parts and finish?

The reason I ask is that I'm considering the purchase of such a rifle and want to see if this is the one for me.

Thank you very much, in advance.

Deacon

[John Beard]

A Springfield M1903 manufactured between 1907 and 1910 would have an oil-quenched casehardened finish on the receiver. The appearance of the finish depends on how worn it is. If it's brand spanking new, it would appear a dull black color. If it's worn slightly, it would have a pleasing medium blue color with slight mottling. If it's worn moderately, it would have a light blue color with more pronounced mottling. If it's worn badly, it would have a silver color with light blue in protected areas.

A rifle manufactured in 1907 may well have served in WWI in its original configuration. Although design and manufacturing changes had been made between 1907 and WWI, there was no recall or update of earlier rifles.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[Deacon]

It helps a lot, Mr. Beard.

Thank you!

[RCS]

Here is a photo of my SA 160963 with SA 2 - 07 dated barrel, stock is without stock bolts with a CCV cartouche. Rear handguard without sight groove and clips

[Deacon]

Thanks much for taking the time to post these photos, RCS. They provide a reference for appearance and condition.

Deacon