Springfield 1903 1st Year of Production .30-06 Bolt Action Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $1575

LSB#: 210506MW70

Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1903

Serial Number: 20309

Year of Manufacture: 1903 (page 373 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition).
Barrel Date: April, 1909

Caliber: .30-06 Springfield

Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine

Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / ARMORY / MODEL 1903 / 20309”. The top of the barrel is marked “S A / flaming bomb / 4 – 09”. The safety is marked “SAFE READY” and the magazine cutoff is marked “ON OFF”. The bayonet lug is marked “H”. The bottom of the bolt handle is marked with a partial “letter” and with a punch mark. The bottom of the grip is marked with a “boxed P” proof.

Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade atop a barrel mounted 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, finger grooves, metal nosecap, stacking loop, barrel band, 2 sling loops, 2 through bolts and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The buttplate shows surface erosion and discoloration from oxidation. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Some are deep and have damaged small portions of the surface wood. These marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 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: Blue

Finish Originality: Original to Rebuild

Bore Condition: The muzzle and grooves are grey. The rifling is deep; less pronounced at the muzzle. There is erosion in the grooves and at the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 3.3.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The barrel & receiver show thinning that has been treated with cold blue. The metal shows discoloration from the cold blue finish. The metal shows scrapes & small scratches.  The top rear of the receiver shows tool marks. The screw heads show use. Most of the markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This Springfield Armory Model 1903 was made during the 1st year of production. It has a low 5 digit serial number and the lettering on the receiver is in an early desirable style. The rifle was rebuilt at some point and a 1909 dated Springfield barrel was installed. This early 1903 shows just the right amount of distress to be distinguished as a Military service rifle. It will add nicely to your collection.