Need opinion on a 1903 rifle

[Fast996]

I purchased this 1930 Springfield 1903 rifle and since this is my first 1903 I know just enough to take chance. I paid $900 for this one and it's in very good shape. The rifle has a polished bolt and extractor, a #7 on the bolt shroud,a reverse safety,and the wood is sanded and oiled. Here are some photos...thanks for any thoughts. Btw the serial # is 1367285 and it's not on the SRS list.

[Fast996]

A few more photos....also the stock is marked as AAHO Augusta refurbished I believe.

[JimF]

Can you give us a "head on" shot of the muzzle?

[Fast996]

Can you give us a "head on" shot of the muzzle?

Hi Jim,

Well it's still at the auction house so I don't know if the barrel is star gauged. I took a chance because they rated the stock and bore as near fine.

Maybe a paid a little too much...but I thought it was a nice rifle. Btw the barrel is stamped 3/38 and it looks like a pre war 2 C type stock

[JimF]

Rifle looks great to me . . . . .

Could be your "near-impulsive" buy will pay off! I sure hope so!

$900 for that particular rifle . . . If it IS what we suspect . . . . would be a bargain around here. --Jim

[Rick the Librarian]

If I were to guess, based on the pictures, it is a service rifle modified by a former civilian owner as a target rifle. Still, a fine hunk of iron for $900 IMHO.

[Fast996]

If I were to guess, based on the pictures, it is a service rifle modified by a former civilian owner as a target rifle. Still, a fine hunk of iron for $900 IMHO.

Thanks Rick....I tend to agree,after further research. What do you think about the sight? It is not a 48C,but I have read that some rifles could be ordered with the Lyman. Also I don't see the serial number scribed on the top of the bolt. Just for my own info...thanks

It is a Redfield 70 sight

Roger

[Cosine26]

The receiver sight is a Redfield 80 as identified by the single screw on the index plate-the 70 had two.. It also has quick release feature which the Redfield Model 70 sight did not have. I do not I know why anyone would put "hunter" knobs on a target rifle unless it is what he had in hand. Both the 70 and 80 sights did not require cutting the stock while the early Lyman 48 did.
FWIW

[Fast996]

The receiver sight is a Redfield 80 as identified by the single screw on the index plate-the 70 had two.. It also has quick release feature which the Redfield Model 70 sight did not have. I do not I know why anyone would put "hunter" knobs on a target rifle unless it is what he had in hand. Both the 70 and 80 sights did not require cutting the stock while the early Lyman 48 did.
FWIW

Thank you

[Jeff L]

The stock looks post WW2 to me. It has a fat wrist.

[Fred]

If the inscribed serial number is Underneath the bolt when it is in the closed position, then upon opening the bolt, the number would again be hidden under the extractor.
Didja look real good?

[Fast996]

I will check for that when it arrives ,thanks.

[Cosine26]

Jeff L
I agree. Look at the inletting at the receiver rind. It looks like it is fairly oversized.

[Fast996]

Jeff L
I agree. Look at the inletting at the receiver rind. It looks like it is fairly oversized.

It still has the AAHO cartouche...so what does this all mean...thanks.

[John Beard]

The receiver and barrel may have come from a National Match rifle. But the remaining parts appear to be replacements. The stock and handguard, for example, are replacements from late WWII. With no serial number, the bolt is also a replacement and the polishing may be a product of Bubba's workshop. The bolt sleeve and magazine cutoff are also replacements. And when a previous owner installed the receiver sight, he butchered or removed the original rear sight base (collar) and sight. So the rear sight base and rear sight have now been replaced.

Nevertheless, the rifle is still worth what you paid for it.

J.B.