US Springfield M1903 24” Barrel .30-06 Bolt Action Rifle, MFD 1933 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,065.00
LSB#: LSB250602RN010
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1903
Serial Number: 1426795
Year of Manufacture: 1933 (https://www.nps.gov/spar/learn/historyculture/u-s-springfield-model-1903-production.htm)
Barrel Date: Jan. 1933
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt Action, 5 Round Internal Magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / ARMORY / MODEL 1903 / 1426795”. The top of the barrel is marked “S A / flaming bomb / 1 – 33” . The safety is marked “SAFE READY” There are various small letter proofs throughout. The stock is marked with an “D.A.L.” stamp. The stock is marked, “9246” with various proofs.
Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade atop a raised base with a protective hood. The rear sight is an adjustable flip-up V-notch ladder sight marked out to 27.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece M1922 wood set with a capped forend/bayonet lug & stacking ring, barrel band w/ sling loop, two through bolts, straight wrist, straight comb, sling loop, and checkered steel buttplate w/ a storage door. There are scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized, DuLite Sear, Extractor, Trigger
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is mostly pronounced. There is moderate erosion with faint spots of pitting throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are light scratches, nicks throughout. The buttplate has light impact marks. The action has light wear. The screw heads are light to moderately tooled. The markings are well defined. 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: Leather sling, canvas muzzle cover.
Our Assessment: The U.S. Springfield Model 1903 is one of the most iconic American service rifles of the 20th century, renowned for its accuracy, durability, and service longevity. Adopted in the early 1900s and seeing front-line use through both World Wars, the 1903 combined the proven Mauser bolt-action system with American refinements such as a finely adjustable rear sight and high-quality barrels. This example was manufactured in 1933, during the interwar years when Springfield Armory was producing rifles to extremely high peacetime standards. The Jan. 1933 barrel date confirms its original assembly, and the presence of the “D.A.L.” inspection stamp on the stock ties it to the period’s Springfield quality control. With its 24-inch barrel, smooth action, and robust military stock configuration, it remains one of the most respected U.S. service rifles ever made. This rifle is in very good condition, retaining about 90% of its Parkerized finish with only light scratches and wear from use and handling. The bore is gray with mostly pronounced rifling, showing moderate erosion and some faint pitting, yet it still rates about 7/10 in this writer’s opinion, leaving it entirely serviceable for shooting with proper ammunition. The stock shows honest field wear in the form of scratches and pressure dents but remains free from cracks and retains its solid fit. Metal parts, including the DuLite-finished sear, extractor, and trigger, appear original and well-preserved. All markings are well defined, adding to its authenticity and collector appeal. It comes fitted with a leather sling and a canvas muzzle cover, both practical accessories for display or range use.
For collectors of U.S. military firearms, a pre-WWII production Springfield 1903 like this is a particularly desirable find. Produced during a time of lower production volumes and exceptional workmanship, it bridges the gap between early WWI-issued rifles and the wartime expediency of WWII manufacturing. Its overall condition, matching period components, and desirable interwar production date make it a strong candidate for any collection, whether displayed for its historical significance or taken to the range to experience the precision and handling that made the M1903 a favorite among American marksmen. -R.E.
