Clint Smith Springfield Armory Model 1903 30 06 24″ Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,526.55

LSB#: LSB260703CS024

Make: Springfield Armory

Model: U.S. Model 1903

Serial Number: 1267816

Year of Manufacture: 1925 / C&R. Springfield Armory serial-number tables place serial number 1267816 within the approximate 1925 production range. The rifle was subsequently rebuilt and fitted with a Springfield Armory barrel dated July 1942.

Caliber: .30-06 Springfield

Action Type: Bolt-action, manually operated centerfire rifle fed by a five-round internal magazine with a hinged floorplate.

Markings: The receiver ring is marked “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / ARMORY / MODEL 1903. / 1267816”. The top of the barrel behind the front sight is marked “SA” over a Flaming Ordnance Bomb and “7-42”, identifying a Springfield Armory barrel manufactured in July 1942. The bolt body is electro-penciled “67816”, matching the final five digits of the receiver serial number. The safety is marked “ON” and “OFF”. The magazine cutoff is marked “ON” and “OFF”. The left side of the stock is marked with a boxed “RA-P” Raritan Arsenal rebuild cartouche. The underside of the wrist is marked with two circled “P” firing-proof stamps. The rear sight base and elevation components are marked with graduated range and windage scales.

Barrel Length: 24″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade mounted to a fixed base near the muzzle and is fitted with an after market protective sight hood. The rear sight is a U.S. Model 1905 pattern ladder sight adjustable for windage and elevation, with a battle notch and graduated ladder.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece type 4  smooth walnut military stock with a straight grip, straight comb, steel buttplate, and full-length upper handguard. The stock has an “RA / P” rebuild cartouche on the left side and two circled “P” firing proofs beneath the wrist. There are scattered scratches, compressions, handling marks, finish wear, and darkened areas consistent with military use and arsenal service. There are no obvious major cracks visible in the provided photographs. The stock rates in about Very Good condition as arsenal rebuilt.

Type of Finish: Parkerized barrel, receiver, bands, trigger guard, floorplate, sights, and other metal components. The buttplate is steel.

Finish Originality: Arsenal refinished and rebuilt. The July 1942 Springfield Armory barrel, Raritan Arsenal rebuild cartouche, and mixed service-era finish indicate the rifle was overhauled after its original 1925 manufacture.

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright. The rifling is sharp. There is light oxidation throughout the barrel. In the writer’s opinion the bore rate is 8/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its arsenal-applied metal finish. The balance shows operational and handling wear, edge thinning, scratches, scuffs, and areas of finish loss. The receiver and barrel retain generally even military finish, while the bolt body shows thinning and discoloration from operation. The electro-penciled partial serial number remains legible on the bolt. The screw heads show light tooling with serviceable slots. The pins appear generally clean. The receiver, barrel, and stock markings remain legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as arsenal rebuilt.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The safety and magazine cutoff operate as intended. 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: Included is a brown leather M1907-style military sling with brass-colored hardware. The sling shows use, surface wear, and age but remains serviceable. Also included is a signed certificate stating that this Springfield Model 1903, serial number 1267816, was owned and shot by Clint Smith, founder of Thunder Ranch Inc. and owner of Clint Smith Signature Series Inc. The certificate identifies the rifle by model, caliber, and serial number and bears Clint Smith’s signature.

Our Assessment: The U.S. Model 1903 Springfield was the principal American service rifle during the years preceding World War I and remained in military use through World War II and beyond. Its controlled-round-feed action, five-round internal magazine, and powerful .30-06 Springfield chambering established a reputation for accuracy, reliability, and excellent handling. Although later supplemented by the M1 Garand, the Model 1903 continued to serve as a training, ceremonial, sniper, and secondary-issue rifle.

This example was manufactured at Springfield Armory in 1925 and later passed through a military rebuild program. Its Springfield Armory “7-42” replacement barrel, boxed “RA / P” Raritan Arsenal cartouche, double circled “P” proofs, and electro-penciled matching bolt reflect its service history and subsequent arsenal maintenance. These features give the rifle the layered character expected from an American martial arm that remained in inventory through multiple eras.

Adding substantially to its appeal is the included signed certificate documenting that the rifle was owned and fired by Clint Smith, the renowned firearms instructor and founder of Thunder Ranch. Smith’s influence on modern defensive-firearms training and his long association with military-style rifles provide this Springfield with meaningful modern provenance beyond its inherent martial history. This is a well-presented arsenal-rebuilt Model 1903 with a desirable WWII-dated barrel, recognizable rebuild markings, military sling, and documented Clint Smith ownership. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!-C.M.