U.S. Springfield M1903 .30-06 SPRG 24″ Barrel Bolt Action Rifle, 1920 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,255.00
LSB#: LSB260504RH003
Make: Springfield
Model: Model 1903
Serial Number: 1209952
Year of Manufacture: 1920 / C&R (The Model 1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations by Joe Poyer)
Barrel Date: 12 — 20
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt action, Fed by Internal Magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / ARMORY / MODEL 1903 / 1209952”. The mag disconnect is marked, “ON / OFF”. The barrel is marked “S A / 12 — 20 A” with a flaming bomb proof. The safety is marked “READY / SAFE”.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade which is dovetailed to a band slid over the muzzle. The rear sight is a U notch flip up 1905 type 2 ladder sight set to the barrel mounted base.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This rifle has a two-piece M1922 walnut stock with a capped forend/bayonet lug & stacking loop, barrel band w/ sling loop, two through bolts, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, sling loop, and knurled buttplate. There are light scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good to Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized, DuLite
Finish Originality: Original Arsenal Refurbishment
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 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains 90% of its metal refinish. There are light handling marks throughout along with faint thinning and small spots of patina. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly 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 America’s standard service rifle at the beginning of the 20th century and became renowned for its accuracy, rugged construction, and strong Mauser-influenced action. Chambered in .30-06 Springfield, the M1903 served extensively with American forces during World War I and continued in military use through World War II and the Korean War. This example was manufactured at Springfield Armory in 1920, with serial number 1209952 falling within the documented 1920 production range. Its Springfield Armory barrel is dated December 1920, placing the receiver and barrel within the same general production period. This rifle remains in Very Good Plus condition following an arsenal refurbishment, retaining approximately 90% of its Parkerized and DuLite metal refinish. The surfaces exhibit light handling marks, faint thinning, and scattered small spots of patina, while the markings remain clear and the screw slots remain serviceable despite light tooling. The bore is exceptionally strong, remaining bright with defined rifling and no visible erosion, rating 9.75/10 in this writer’s opinion. Its walnut stock and handguard show light scratches and pressure dents but remain free of cracks, rating in Very Good to Excellent condition. The rifle retains its Springfield barrel, protected front sight, folding M1905-pattern rear sight, magazine cutoff, and military buttplate with storage compartment.
The M1903 remains one of the most recognizable and respected American military bolt-action rifles, valued for its service history, excellent handling, and reputation for practical accuracy. This 1920-produced example offers an attractive combination of a period-dated Springfield barrel, strong bore, arsenal-refurbished finish, and useful accessories. The included leather sling complements its military configuration and add to its display and collector appeal. This rifle should interest collectors of U.S. martial arms, early post-World War I Springfield production, and classic .30-06 service rifles. -R.E.