Springfield 1903 .30-06 Bolt Action Sporting Rifle Weaver Scope C&R

SOLD FOR: $1225

LSB#: 211019JB01

Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1903. Now a Sporting Rifle

Serial Number: 949438

Year of Manufacture: 1918 (page 374 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition)
Barrel Date: March, 1942

Caliber: .30-06 Springfield

Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine

Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / ARMORY / MODEL 1903 / 949438”. The top of the barrel is marked “S A / flaming bomb / 3 – 42”. The safety is marked “SAFE READY” and the magazine cutoff is marked “ON OFF”. The barrel band is marked “U”. The bayonet lug is marked “H”. The bottom of the bolt handle is marked “A” and with a partial stamping.  The bottom of the grip is marked with a faded “P” proof.  The left side of the stock, above the trigger, is marked with a post WWII Arsenal Rebuild stamping from the Augusta Arsenal “AAR” (page 390).
The top rear of the scope is marked “WEAVER K2.5 60 / EL PASO TEX. U.S.A. PATD PEND”. Both scope rings are marked “WEAVER / DETACHABLE / PATENTED / 1.000”   U.S.A.”.                  

Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches 

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade atop a barrel mounted base. The rear sight ladder assembly has been removed. The rear sight base is still in place. The top of the receiver has 2 quick release scope rings attached to it by screws. They hold a fixed 2.5 power scope. The scope used a post reticle. The glass appears clear, but is slightly dim. The scope assembly metal shows scrapes & thin scratches. The screw heads show use. Overall the scope assembly is in Very Good Plus condition.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The refinished hardwood stock has a pistol grip, nosecap with bayonet lug, stacking loop, barrel band, 2 sling loops, 2 through bolts and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The buttplate shows scrapes, small scratches and pin prick surface erosion. The nosecap & barrel band show scrapes & scratches. There is a small circular surface repair on the left between the through bolts. The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Several have damaged small portions of the surface wood. Most of the marks have been finished over. Areas of the gloss finish have been dulled by scuffs. The LOP measures 13 ¼ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal Rebuild

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The grooves near the muzzle are semi bright. The rifling is deep. There is fouling and light intermittent erosion in the grooves near the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.3.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 94% of its metal finish. The bottom metal has been refinished. The bottom metal has scratches, small dents, and some pin prick surface erosion showing through the new finish. The metal shows scrapes, scratches, and discoloration from oxidation. The screw heads show use. Most of the markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition.

Mechanics: The bolt handle has been modified in order to cycle with the scope in place.
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: The rifle comes with an extra Model 1903 bolt body. It is marked “R” for Remington on the bottom of the bolt handle. It may be the original bolt body as it will not cycle due to the bolt handle hitting the rear of the scope. It shows scuffs & scrapes. It is in about Very Good Plus condition.

Our Assessment: This Springfield Armory Model 1903 was made back in 1918. It was Arsenal Rebuilt at the Augusta Arsenal after WWII. This is most likely when its 1942 dated barrel was installed. The rifle has since been modified and is now a Sporting Rifle. The stock has been refinished, the rear sight has been removed, the bolt handle has been modified, and a 2.5 power Weaver scope has been added. The bore is strong and the scope is in nice shape. This is a good looking rifle to take out to the range. It comes with an extra bolt body that has not been modified, just in case you want to restore the rifle to its wartime configuration.