Pre WWII Springfield 1903 M1903 .30-06 Bolt Action Rifle MFD 1934 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2025

WOA#: WY230524VI002

Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1903

Serial Number: 1455655

Year of Manufacture: 1934 (page 374 of Joe Poyer’s book, The Model 1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, Third Edition)
Barrel Date: 4-36

Caliber: .30-06 Springfield

Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine

Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / ARMORY / MODEL 1903. / 1455655”. The top of the barrel is marked “S A / 4 – 36” with an ordnance bomb in between. The safety is marked “SAFE READY” and the magazine cutoff is marked “ON OFF”. The top of the bolt handle is marked “N.S.” for nickel steel. The bottom of the bolt handle is marked “7”. The barrel band is marked “U”.  The front of the stock is marked “RI”.  The bayonet lug is marked “H”.

Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches

Sights / Optics:  The front sight is a pinned blade set in a raised base. The rear sight is a “U” notched blade attached to a fully adjustable sight ladder marked from “3-27”. When flipped up separate notches and an aperture on the ladder can be used for sighting.

Stock Configuration & Condition:  The two piece hardwood stock has a straight grip, metal nosecap with bayonet lug, barrel band, two sling loops, two through bolts and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. There are some nicks,compression marks, and scratches on the stock and the buttplate shows some thinning as well as on the floor plate, and trigger guard.  The wood has been oiled. The LOP measures 12.75 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued, Parkerized

Finish Originality: Rock Island Refurbished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp & deep. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish as refinished. The metal shows scrapes & small scratches. The bottom metal shows light discoloration from oxidation. The bolt and receiver shows operational wear. The screw heads show use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: When the US Army was looking for a rifle design to replace the 1898 Krag rifle, they looked directly at the Spanish Model 1893 Mauser. This was due to the fact that the performance of the Model 1893 Mauser was far superior than that of the 1898 Krag during the Spanish-American War. The Model 1903 is basically a redesigned Mauser clone. A U.S. Patent Court eventually found that the U.S. Army had violated Mauser’s patents and required the U.S. Army to pay the German Mauser manufacturers patent royalties. Payments were stopped once WWI started. The 1903 has a strong reliable action that served the Army for over thirty years in two world wars.

This beautiful Springfield Model 1903 was made in 1934 and has a barrel dated for 1936 refurbished by Rock Island Armory with its RI cartouche at the front of the stock.  The mechanics are strong with a bright clean bore, making this a perfect addition to any historical collection of range day lineup.  Please see photos and good luck!