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-Springfiel...40_&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.