U.S. Springfield M1903 24” Barrel .30-06 Bolt Action Rifle, MFD 1933 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,025.00
LSB#: WY250328MS002
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1903
Serial Number: 1428843
Year of Manufacture: 1933 (https://www.nps.gov/spar/learn/historyculture/u-s-springfield-model-1903-production.htm)
Barrel date: 2 – 33
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 / 1428843”. The top of the barrel is marked “S A / flaming bomb / 2 – 33” . The safety is marked “SAFE READY” and the magazine cutoff is marked “ON OFF”. There are various small proofs throughout. The stock is marked with a P-proof under the grip and “292” in front of the forend cap.
Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade atop a raised base. 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 wood set with a capped forend/bayonet lug & stacking ring, barrel band w/ sling loop, two through bolts, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, sling loop, and steel buttplate. There are scratches, pressure dents and small chips throughout. There is a small crack forming at the wrist. The LOP measures 12 3/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray and the rifling is pronounced. There is light erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 40% of its metal finish. There are scratches, nicks, and light patina throughout. The barrel bands have spots of rust. The buttplate has light impact marks. The action has light wear. The screw heads range from light to moderately tooled. The markings are well defined. Overall, this rifle rates in about 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: None.
Our Assessment: This U.S. Springfield Model 1903 rifle was manufactured in 1933 and is a fine example of a pre-WWII interwar production rifle from Springfield Armory. By this time, the M1903 had already earned its reputation for exceptional accuracy and mechanical precision, serving as the standard-issue rifle for the U.S. military through World War I and into World War II. This rifle was built during a period of peace and lower production volume, meaning rifles like this were produced with meticulous attention to detail, making them highly desirable among collectors today. The 2-33 barrel date matches the receiver production, confirming its originality and consistency. This example retains approximately 40% of its original parkerized finish with honest wear from service use. The stock, with its two-bolt semi-pistol grip configuration, is marked with the expected “P” proof under the grip and other small inspection numbers. It shows handling marks, dents, and a minor crack forming at the wrist, but remains solid overall. The bore is a strong point on this rifle, showing pronounced rifling and rating 8/10 despite some light erosion. All military features are intact, including the ladder rear sight, stacking swivel, and original buttplate.
For collectors and historians, this 1933 Springfield M1903 represents a transitional piece between WWI and WWII military arms. With its original markings, early interwar production quality, and strong mechanical condition, it’s well-suited for preservation, study, or even careful range use. Whether you’re building a collection of pre-war U.S. military rifles or searching for a historically significant shooter, this example offers both function and legacy in a classic American bolt-action platform. -R.E.
