US Pre-WW2 Model 1903 Springfield M1903A1 .30-06 Bolt Action Rifle 1930 C&R
SOLD FOR: $966
WOA#: WY240316MC027
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: M1903A1
Serial Number: 1359399
Year of Manufacture: Receiver dates to 1930, Barrel dated September 1930
Caliber: .30-06
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. / Springfield / Armory / Model 1903 / 1359399”. The magazine cut-off is marked “ON” and “OFF”. The safety is marked “READY” and “SAFE”. The top of the bolt handle is marked “N.S.” for Nickel Steel and the bottom is marked “7”. The barrel band is marked “U”. The right side of the nose cap is marked “R”. The top of the barrel is marked with “S A”, a “flaming bomb” acceptance stamp of the Ordnance Department, and “9-30”. The scallop for the magazine cutoff is marked “S” for Springfield.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade atop a barrel mounted base. The rear sight is a u-notch blade attached to a fully adjustable sight ladder marked from 3-27. When flipped up, separate notches and an aperture on the ladder can be used for sighting.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece wood stock has a semi-pistol grip, metal nose cap with bayonet lug and stacking loop, barrel band with sling loop, another sling loop, two through bolts, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The buttplate has wear along the edges, especially at the heel. There are compression marks, scuffs, and scratches throughout the wood. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to 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 9/10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the US used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The US military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 92% of its metal finish as arsenal refinished. There are faint scuffs and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. The leading edges are worn. The action and bolt show some operational wear. The screw heads show light to moderate use. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as arsenal refinished.
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 Hathcock sling.
Our Assessment: After the US .30-40 Krag and “Trapdoor” Springfield were outclassed by the Spanish M-1893 Mauser in the Spanish-American War, the US Ordnance Department immediately sought to upgrade their standard service rifle to one that could be reloaded more quickly, and handle a higher velocity cartridge. It was decided to take the M-1893 Mauser design, and slightly tweak it to meet the needs of the US military. This led to the M-1903, which was originally chambered in the round nose .30-03 cartridge. Within three years, it was changed to the spitzer bullet .30-06. The M-1903 Springfield chambered in .30-06 was an instant classic, and served the American soldier well in the Philippine Insurrection, the Great War, and WW2. This example was made by Springfield Armory in 1930. The stock only has light wear, the metal retains most of its arsenal refinish, and the bore is in great shape; it should be a nice shooter. This would be a fine addition to a US martial arms collection. Please see our photos. -R.E.
