Description
Item Description
*This is a low serial number gun which is generally considered unsafe to shoot, and should be checked by a competent gunsmith before any attempt to fire is made*
SPECIFICATIONS:
Model: 1903
Serial: 162942
Date of Manufacture: 1908
Caliber: .30-06
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 24"
Optics/Sights: Blade Front, Kollmorgen Bear Cub 4x scope.
Stock/Grips: Checkered Pistol Grip Wood Stock
Action: Bolt
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The "U.S. Rifle, Caliber .30, Model 1903", also known as the "Springfield" or the "'03", has served the U.S. military for a long time and with great success. It is considered one of the best bolt-action military rifles of all time. The rifle was manufactured by Springfield Armory from 1903 to the late 1930s, and also at Rock Island Arsenal from 1903 to 1913 and again from 1917 until just after World War I. Despite the production of large numbers of "American Enfields" during World War I to supplement the supply of Springfield rifles, the "Springfield '03" remained the standard U.S. military service rifle until the semi-automatic M1 "Garand" rifle was adopted in 1936. However, even after the adoption of the M1, the '03 remained the primary American service rifle until production of the Garand could meet the demand.
M1903 rifles made before February 1918 utilized receivers and bolts which were single heat-treated by a method that rendered some of them brittle and liable to fracture when fired, exposing the shooter to a risk of serious injury. It proved impossible to determine, without destructive testing, which receivers and bolts were so affected and therefore potentially dangerous. To solve this problem, the Ordnance Department commenced double heat treatment of receivers and bolts. This was commenced at Springfield Armory at approximately serial number 800,000 and at Rock Island Arsenal at exactly serial number 285,507. All Springfields made after this change are commonly called “high number” rifles. Those Springfields made before this change are commonly called “low-number” rifles.
In view of the safety risk, the Ordnance Department withdrew from active service all “low-number” Springfields. During WWII, however, the urgent need for rifles resulted in the rebuilding and reissuing of many “low-number” as well as “high-number” Springfields. The bolts from such rifles were often mixed during rebuilding, and did not necessarily remain with the original receiver. Generally speaking, “low number” bolts can be distinguished from “high-number” bolts by the angle at which the bolt handle is bent down. All “low number” bolts have the bolt handle bent straight down, perpendicular to the axis of the bolt body. High number bolts have “swept-back” (or slightly rearward curved) bolt handles.
A few straight-bent bolts are of the double heat-treat type, but these are not easily identified, and until positively proved otherwise ANY straight-bent bolt should be assumed to be “low number”. All original swept-back bolts are definitely “high number”. In addition, any bolt marked “N.S.” (for nickel steel) can be safely regarded as “high number” if obtained directly from CMP (beware of re-marked fakes). It is not recommend firing any Springfield rifle with a ”low number” receiver. Such rifles should be regarded as collector’s items, not “shooters."
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
