U.S. Springfield M1903 .30-06 SPRG 23.75″ Barrel Bolt Action Rifle 1918 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,251.00
LSB#: LSB260502BD007
Make: Springfield
Model: Model 1903
Serial Number: 820563
Year of Manufacture: 1918 / C&R (The Model 1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations by Joe Poyer)
Barrel Date: 3-18
Caliber: .30-06
Action Type: Bolt action, Fed by Internal Magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / ARMORY / MODEL 1903 / 820563”. The mag disconnect is marked, “ON / OFF”. The barrel is marked “S A / 3-18” with a flaming bomb proof. The safety is marked “READY / SAFE”.
Barrel Length: 23.75”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded blade which is dovetailed to a band slid over the muzzle. The rear sight is a U notch flip up escalator sight set to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece wood stock is a straight stock with no finger grooves, barrel band with sling loop, and a steel buttplate with a hinged door for storage. There is handling wear. There are scratches and compression marks throughout. There are a few deep compression marks throughout. There is a large crack at the toe. There are no chips. The LOP measures 12.75″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fair overall condition.
Type of Finish: Cold Blued.
Finish Originality: Refinished.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about none of its metal refinish. The balance of the finish shows handling and storage wear. There are scratches and thinning throughout. The blue finish has turned to a patina throughout. There are light nicks on the buttplate. There is light thinning on the muzzle. There is light action wear. There is corrosion pitting on the barrel. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tooling with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair 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. Springfield Model 1903 is one of America’s classic bolt-action service rifles, chambered in .30-06 Springfield and built around a strong Mauser-type action with a 5-round internal magazine. Serial number 820563 falls within Springfield Armory’s listed 1918 production range, and the “S A / 3-18” barrel date is consistent with a WWI-era Springfield rifle. This example is configured with a 23.75” barrel, hooded blade front sight, U-notch rear sight, cold-blued refinish, straight stock with no finger grooves, steel buttplate with trapdoor, and leather sling.
This M1903 is in Fair condition overall as refinished, retaining little to none of its cold-blued metal refinish with handling and storage wear, scratches, thinning, patina, light muzzle thinning, action wear, corrosion pitting on the barrel, and light nicks on the buttplate. The two-piece wood stock rates in Fair condition, showing handling wear, scratches, compression marks, deeper compression marks, and a large crack at the toe, but no chips. The bore is bright with defined rifling, no erosion, and rates 8 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly, the markings are clear, and the screw heads range from sharp to lightly tooled with serviceable slots. This rifle should appeal to U.S. martial arms collectors, WWI rifle enthusiasts, and C&R buyers looking for a 1918 Springfield M1903 with a strong bore, period barrel date, and included leather sling. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -N.P