New to Me 1903 Springfield

[bigskybound]

Was at a gunshow today looking for a sporterized 03 Springfield to rehabilitate into a 03A1 clone. Didn't find one. But I did find what seems to be an un-messed with 1918 03. It is in the 800K range, has a 1-18 barrel and C stock. How rare or uncommon is it to find these that did not get re-barreled in WWII?

[Randy A]

Probably need pics to be of any help.

[Rick the Librarian]

I can't tell you the reason, but 1918 M1903s with original barrels are very common.

[Fred]

Of course you know that it no longer has its original wood.

[Richard H Brown Jr]

Hell, at 63 and counting, *I* no longer have my original wood, either.

RHB

[bigskybound]

Hell, at 63 and counting, *I* no longer have my original wood, either.

RHB

I am so glad I had swallowed that last sip of coffee before I read this! From what little I do know, I figured the C stock was a replacement. As a newbie to 03 series guns I have seen a number of posts about low SN 03 rifles with WW II era barrels. Thanks.

[Rick the Librarian]

It all depends on "use" and "wear". The typical M1903 got a LOT of use - WWI, WWII, etc. Wear and pitting (corrosive ammunition was used until the early 1950s) caused the majority of rifles that went through overhaul at one point or the other to nee a barrel replaced.

[bigskybound]

Bore on this one is pretty good and metal shows no wear that is out of the ordinary. Stock has no stamps that I can see, but it does not appear to be a modern repro.

[Doug Douglass]

Most of the 03's that survived with orgional barrels were likely issued to a Marine......