Best book on 03/A3

[milboltnut]

I looked through Brophys and Poyer...Poyer is better. But I have heard there is better. Could someone direct to it? Just seen one by J.C. Harrison..

Thanks

[Rick the Librarian]

If you're not familiar with the M1903A3, Canfield's book is a decent introduction, although not without error. You have to tread carefully through Poyer.

[milboltnut]

did you read my thread "Im so confused" Rick? LOL

[milboltnut]

Hey Rick how about...

"The Collectable '03" by J.C Harrison?

[clintonhater]

I looked through Brophys and Poyer...Poyer is better.


You won't find many who agree with that evaluation.

[John Beard]

Hey Rick how about...

"The Collectable '03" by J.C Harrison?

Harrison's and Poyer's book are in the same category. Both have value if you have a caged bird and don't mind taping the pages together.

J.B.

[milboltnut]

You won't find many who agree with that evaluation.


Brophy had very little info on the A3.... I don't have an 03.. maybe when I do I'll need his book. I'm not that of an avid collector, just seeing if rifles are original/correct, and shoot not wall hangers. It seems to me brophys book had too much on accessories, I'm not into accessories.

Thanks for the info.

[Rick the Librarian]

I admit I may using my faulty memory, but William Brophy's original intention in writing his massive book, was to detail just the Springfield M1903, not the other manufacturers. As I recall it, it was Brophy's friends who strongly suggested that the other makers - Rock Island, Remington and Smith-Corona, be included.

It must be admitted that a truly detailed book on the M1903s and M1903A3s manufactured in World War II has yet to be written. Bill Brophy's book, although still the "yardstick" for all other M1903 books, was written over 30 years ago.

[clintonhater]

Brophy had very little info on the A3....

My favorite isn't actually Brophy, but the last of the three '03 books Clark Campbell's wrote: The '03 Springfield Rifles. Contains plenty on A3s. Big book, but not so much on accessories, except bayonets, grenade launchers, few other standard-issue items.

[IditarodJoe]

If you're not familiar with the M1903A3, Canfield's book is a decent introduction, although not without error.
Which book are you referring to, Rick? I haven't seen his "A Collector's Guide to . . . " book, but I did buy his "An Illustrated Guide to the 03 Springfield Service Rifle" on impulse and was very disappointed. It's a nice coffee table book with lots on the history of the rifle, but very little of the type of information the OP is looking for. At $50, I don't feel it was much of a bargain.

[Rick the Librarian]

That's the one ... A fair, although not perfect introduction, I still feel. I do respect Clark Campbell's books but they are now out of print and have been for several years.

Like I said, the "final word" on later M1903s has yet to be written.

[clintonhater]

Which book are you referring to, Rick? I haven't seen his "A Collector's Guide to . . . " book, but I did buy his "An Illustrated Guide to the 03 Springfield Service Rifle" on impulse and was very disappointed. It's a nice coffee table book with lots on the history of the rifle, but very little of the type of information the OP is looking for. At $50, I don't feel it was much of a bargain.

$22 is the price on my "Collectors Guide," though that was over 10 yrs ago. Does include A3-WWII info. Good enough for to meet the needs of casual interest, and contains a number of interesting wartime photos, but of course never intended to compete with Brophy or Campbell.

[milboltnut]

https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?an=clark+campbell&n=100121503&pt=book&sortby=17&tn=the+03%27+springfield+rifles&cm_sp=pan-_-srp-_-used

over 200 dollars

[IditarodJoe]

FWIW, a seller on Amazon has a "new condition" copy of Campbell's book currently listed for $129.99 + $3.99 shipping.

https://www.amazon.com/03-Springfield-Rifles-Era/dp/0974001406/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1521685436&sr=1-2&keywords=Springfield+era+campbell&dpID=21Y-EC0lLDL&preST=_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch

[clintonhater]

FWIW, a seller on Amazon has a "new condition" copy of Campbell's book currently listed for $129.99 + $3.99 shipping.


Wonder what mine, with a long inscription by Campbell, along with his drawing of an '03, is worth?

But actually, I'm somewhat pleased there might be those willing to pay such a price, as Campbell is somewhat neglected, though he was writing about '03s long before Brophy.

[Rick the Librarian]

$22 is the price on my "Collectors Guide," though that was over 10 yrs ago. Does include A3-WWII info. Good enough for to meet the needs of casual interest, and contains a number of interesting wartime photos, but of course never intended to compete with Brophy or Campbell.

Do you mean Canfield's 1989 ed. on M1903s? If so, I would place it in the same category John placed Poyer and Harrison. Even Bruce admitted it had a lot of errors.

[clintonhater]

Do you mean Canfield's 1989 ed. on M1903s? If so, I would place it in the same category John placed Poyer and Harrison. Even Bruce admitted it had a lot of errors.

"Casual interest" does not mean collector interest. It means suitable for someone who knows nothing about the subject, and merely seeks some general idea of the place in history achieved by such a famous rifle; like a tourist who visits the Springfield Armory Museum, which is actually where I bought my copy as a memento of my pilgrimage to that sacred ground--even though I already had both Brophy & two of Campbell's books!

[Rick the Librarian]

I see your point but don't think Canfield's 1989 book is the place to start.

If I was going to pick a book, as you describe, I'd pick this one:

The M1903 Springfield Rifle by Leroy Thompson

I wasn't crazy about this one, either. you can read my review on Amazon.

[Marine A5 Sniper Rifle]

I was more impressed with your review than the book. Keep up the good work, Rick. You might be amazed to know the weight your opinion carries.

[Rick the Librarian]

You're very kind ... thanks.

[milboltnut]

Thanks Rick... It's nice to have people who can reveal sources of information to alleviate the hassle of searching.

[98src]

The "best book" on the M1903-A3/A4 hasn't been written yet. JB.......when are you going to write it?

[IditarodJoe]

Quite a few years ago, I suggested that John Beard and Rick Slater should collaborate on that book. Well, let's just say that my suggestion received a chilly reception. Too bad . . .that would be one heck of a book!