San Quentin Attributed U.S Springfield Model 1903 .30-06 Bolt Action Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,926.01
LSB#: LSB260612XX012
Make: Springfield
Model: M1903
Serial Number: 1323887
Year of Manufacture: 1929 / C&R
Barrel Date: 10-32
Caliber: .30-06
Action Type: Bolt Action, fed by internal magazine
Markings: The left side of the front sight is marked “LYMAN”. The top of the barrel is marked “S.A.”, flaming bomb ordnance mark, “10-32”. The bayonet lug is marked with an “H”. The top of the receiver is marked “U.S.” / “SPRINGFIELD” / “ARMORY” / “MODEL 1903” / “1323887”. The magazine cutoff is marked “OFF ON”. The safety is marked “READY SAFE”.The bottom of the bolt handle is marked with an “R”.The left side of the stockrear of the trigger guard is stamped “B.A.-J.L” inside of a rectangle. There is a “14” and a “P” in a circle behind the trigger guard. On the toe of the buttstock is a brass inventory medallion marked “30.06 CAL.” / “11” / “EMERGENCY”.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a shrouded blade which is dovetailed to a band slid over the muzzle. The rear sight is a U-notch flip up elevating sight set to the barrel and is adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The arsenal refurb stock is a one piece with a separate handguard with a straight wrist, straight comb, barrel band, nose cap, and metal buttplate with a trapdoor. There is a finger groove on each side of the stock. There is a stacking loop and two sling loops mounted on the stock. There are scattered handling scratches and compression dents. There is a large chip out of the right side of the stock. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 12.75” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Arsenal Refurbished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is mostly sharp. There is minor fouling in the grooves. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 8.5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 92% of its refurbished finish. There are scattered scratches and compression marks. There is operational and handling wear throughout. There is oxidation on the front sight shroud and on the crown of the barrel. There is minor oxidation freckling sporadically about. The screw heads range from sharp to tooled with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. 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: This rifle comes with a leather sling.
Our Assessment: The U.S. Model 1903 Springfield was adopted as the standard American service rifle in 1903 and remained an important military arm through World War I and into World War II. This rifle is particularly interesting for its attributed post-military service at San Quentin State Prison.. The brass buttstock inventory medallion marked “30.06 CAL. / 11 / EMERGENCY” is consistent with institutional inventory use, while the boxed B.A.-J.L. stock marking is associated in collector references with Benicia Arsenal refurbishment. Together with its replacement components, these features indicate a service rifle that continued through arsenal and likely institutional use well after its original military production.
This rifle retains approximately 92% of its refurbished Parkerized finish with scattered scratches, operational wear, oxidation, and light freckling. The arsenal-refurbished stock remains structurally sound despite the substantial chip on its right side, while the bright 8.5/10 bore with mostly sharp rifling is a particularly strong attribute. The Remington-marked replacement bolt, Lyman front sight, refurbished finish, and inventory medallion all contribute to the rifle’s accumulated service character rather than representing an untouched 1929 configuration. With its sound bore, correctly functioning action, Benicia Arsenal-associated rebuild marking, and particularly interesting San Quentin attribution, this is a distinctive service-used M1903 with considerably more history than a typical arsenal rebuild. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY