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Low number Springfield 1903 rifles
This is a discussion on Low number Springfield 1903 rifles within the Mil Surp Collectors forums, part of the Hardware category; The barrel wasn't the problem, it was the receiver. That said, thousands of low numbers had the snot shot out ...
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05-02-2010, 02:46 PM #11Moderator
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The barrel wasn't the problem, it was the receiver. That said, thousands of low numbers had the snot shot out of them with no problems.
Personally I don't want one as a shooter.
US Army Security Agency 1967-1971
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11-27-2011, 09:57 AM #12Registered User
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RL Phillips
Gents,
I have a lower serial RIA 1903 1852XX (1910) that was used by my grandfather, father and now I use it for deer in our family bottom land. I would say we've harvested 70 plus deer with her over these many years and never an issue with her...as smooth an action as you can find. I've also used her for varmint and ground hogs...how many over the years???? Accurate!!! We can't remember a jam or malfunction of any kind over these many years and that's why she spends so much time in the field.
I've heard about and read about the receiver failures and I've also noticed a lot of issues noted with the poor ammo of the day back in those early years. I also read an interesting article and the army study on the failures. Is it a concern... I guess. Is this gun a wall hanger...No! I'll be preparing a table this week with deer provided by this good old lady. She's sill going strong 101 years later. Use modern manuf ammo!!!
My two cents..from a third generation shooter of a (1910) RIA 1903.
Good shooting!
RL
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11-27-2011, 07:52 PM #13NES Member
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I looked at Rock Island 1903 today. Serial number 3,4XX. Barrel dated 1905. As mint as they come. My friends father had it for decades.
I did not get a chance to get any pics of it. I might swap something from my collection for it. Are the 4 digit rock islands worth a premium? I don't want to low ball a friend.You came into this world the way i did, and you're going out in a box the same way i am.
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The government will keep spending and spending until something breaks/explodes/collapses as a result. It is insatiable. It's like the Garfield cartoon where he just eats everything and can't stop and then he's swallowing buildings and then planets. Our government is the same way.
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11-16-2012, 08:33 PM #14Registered User
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I have a lower number rifle, I believe it's around 752xxx. It was passed to me from my grandfathers collection. I haven't been able to find anything by pictures that look quite like mine. Everything on it looks really well kept and if it saw service you wouldn't know it. There is no rust or corrosion. The stock looks nice (I do see it as being possible that the stock was replaced). If I can remember how to post pictures on these forums I'll post a picture. I have no interest in sellling it, but does anyone know a price range for these lower serial number rifles?
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11-16-2012, 08:43 PM #15Moderator
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If you research the documents about the problem of them 'blowing up', I think you'll find there were less than 2 dozen that were actually reported, but it was enough for the gov't to do something about it, although they never did pull the low numbers from service, that I know of. The danger is MINISCULE, but I don't want to be the one in a million who swallows a bolt.
Sorry I can't help you with a value. US Army Security Agency 1967-1971
Show me ANY law that would have stopped any of the school shootings.
Freedom has ceased to be a birthright; it has come to mean whatever we are still permitted to do.
Compromise means never having the best solution.
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11-16-2012, 09:11 PM #16NES Member
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Hatcher's Notebook has all the info on the problem. He's the guy who led the US Army investigation into the brittle receivers.
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11-16-2012, 10:54 PM #17NES Member
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Wow. Lots of factors to consider. First, it is likely a 30-03 which is rechambered to a 30-06. If this is all original, there are VERY few remaining. Serial number matches the barrel date very closely. Check for plugs of wood in the forearm, for the early rod bayonet. And/or the high wood along side the receiver.
Originally Posted by Speedway
If it's the real deal, these are going for "What a true collector will pay", and $1,500 and up is not unheard of. Still, probably not a shooter.
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11-16-2012, 11:58 PM #18NES Member
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Most of the failed 03's were attributed to the single treated bolts than the receivers failing. Most if not all the marines 1903's in WWII were low numbered and we're used to great extent.
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