Springfield 1903 USMC Barrel .30-06 Bolt Action Rifle 1918 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1475

LSB#: 210907CV02

Make: Springfield Armory

Model: 1903

Serial Number: 920452

Year of Manufacture: 1918 (page 373 of Joe Poyer’s book, The Model 1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, Third Edition) Barrel Date: 1 – 44

Caliber: .30-06 Springfield

Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine

Markings: The import mark is in tiny text on the bottom of the front sight collar. It reads “FED. ORD. INC. / SO EL MONTE CA”. The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / ARMORY / MODEL 1903. / 920452”. The top of the barrel is marked “U.S.M.C. / 1 – 44 / circled S”. This barrel was made under contract for the United States Marine Corps by Sedgley Manufacturing Company. The safety is marked “SAFE READY” and the magazine cutoff is marked “ON OFF”. The bottom of the bolt handle is marked “R” for Remington. The bottom of the bayonet lug is marked “H”. The sling is marked “MRT”.

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 pistol grip, metal nosecap with bayonet lug, stacking loop, barrel band, two sling loops, two through bolts and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The refinished nosecap has surface erosion showing through the finish. The wood shows several scrapes & scratches that have been oiled over. Most of the marks are light. The LOP measures 13 1/8 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine overall condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is deep & sharp. There is no erosion. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.5.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish as refinished. Surface erosion shows through the new finish on the receiver, bottom metal, and bolt assembly. The bolt assembly shows a freckling of discoloration from oxidation. The right side of the receiver & bolt show light thinning consistent with cycling. The barrel shows small scrapes & a few small scratches. The metal shows other light scrapes & handling marks. 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: The rifle comes with a leather sling that shows light discoloration and light scrapes. It is in about Fine condition.

Our Assessment: This Springfield Model 1903 was made in 1918 and has a 1944 dated replacement barrel. It was around for WWII and probably saw service during that time frame. It saw service with a U.S. friendly country and is now import marked. The metal has been refinished, the wood looks good, and the bore is strong & bright. The markings on the metal are deep. The rifle comes with a rare U.S.M.C. marked barrel. This barrel was made under contract for the United States Marine Corps by Sedgley Manufacturing Company. Sedgley normally used a “circled S” marking. Barrels made for the USMC contract were specifically marked “U.S.M.C. / date / circled S”. For more see pages 164-165 of Joe Poyer’s book, The Model 1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition.