New 1903 to me.

[Fred]

Its possible, never would have purchased the rifle, had it bothered me. Won't be steaming a pristine stock for any reason.

Yep, I'd leave them there too. The stampings were neatly done and they are a valuable part of the provenance of the rifle. I've a 1920 National Match 03 that was also put away and forgotten after its purchase. Nothing in the way of wear on either one. Where in the world might such rifles have been all of this time to have remained pretty much untouched? It helped that they weren't a general issue rifle of course. Likely kept in a closet and retrieved by a daughter who didn't have any reason to use it or handle it much. Maybe inherited by her daughter or son who brought it to a gun show or a gun store.
It seems that I might've seen that particular rifle for sale on line sometime recently. Was it on Gunbroker?
I think that it's an absolutely top of the line example of such a rifle. Excellent investment that can only keep going up over time. Way to go!!

[tbone69]

I have one close to yours 1257927 7-23 barrel sold 5-29. same configuration as yours

[Roadkingtrax]

Actually Fred, a man was disposing of his late father's estate, and selling the guns he (the son) didn't like. Could you imagine such a person who did not like a 1903 Springfield?

This rifle? Another awesome example.

http://www.jouster.com/forums/showth...National-Match

[Fred]

It was his loss and your gain when he sold it to you. It's sad to see people hold a fine 1903 Springfield in their hands and not have any idea what kind of historic rifle they are holding. Some people don't even know how to open the bolt. Showing them a fine National Match 1903 is a waste. It might as well be an Italian Carcano. Sigh. I was looking at the above rifle just yesterday. I've yet to shoot it, but I'll bet it and your rifle would be quite accurate in the right hands. My eyes are outa wack now so I doubt I'd be any good at getting the most out of my National match 03.
Your photos are Very Good and show great detail. Nice photography! You've got an outstanding rifle!

[Rick the Librarian]

To me, the pleasure of owning a rifle like this is to know it is in the same condition as the day it left Springfield - nothing has been "overhauled" or replaced. It is stone-cold original.

[Fred]

I agree Rick.

[Liam]

Agreed that the stamped name is a piece of the history and should be left alone. However, on occasion, there exist such insults to originality that steps simply must be taken. Case in point: my Norwegian Krag. Did my best to stone away the insult. Very nice rifles, gentlemen.compare.jpg