
WW1 U.S Springfield Armory Model 1903 30-06 Bolt Action Rifle MFD 1917 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,146.98
LSB#: WY241010CM009
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1903
Serial Number: 727879
Year of Manufacture: 1917
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. / ARSENALSPRINGFIELD ARMORY / MODEL 1903 / 727879”. The top of the barrel is marked “SA / flaming bomb / 3-18”. The underside of the barrel is marked “35”. The safety is marked “SAFE READY” and the magazine cutoff is marked “ON OFF”. The underside of the bolt and bolt handle is marked “R”. The barrel band is marked “U”. The nose of the stock is marked “RI”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade atop a barrel-mounted base in a protective globe hood. The rear sight is a “U” notched 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 hardwood stock has a straight grip, metal nose cap with bayonet lug, barrel band, stacking loop, 3 sling loops,, and a metal buttplate with a hinged door for storage. The buttstock storage compartment holds a tubular cleaning kit. The wood shows scattered scrapes, scratches and compression marks. There are some moderate impact marks. The LOP measures 13” inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock is in Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is defined. There is moderate erosion and fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.
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 U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. There are patches of wear on the receiver and leading edges like the front sight where the finish is thinned or lost. There is a mottled pattern of light surface oxidation scattered throughout. The screw heads show use. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in 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: One Rock Island Armory 1905 model bayonet made in 1911 with scabbard.
Our Assessment: When the US Army was looking for a rifle design to replace the 1898 Krag rifle, they looked directly at the Spanish Model 1893 Mauser. This was due to the fact that the performance of the Model 1893 Mauser was far superior than that of the 1898 Krag during the Spanish-American War. The Model 1903 is basically a redesigned Mauser clone. A U.S. Patent Court eventually found that the U.S. Army had violated Mauser’s patents and required the U.S. Army to pay the German Mauser manufacturers patent royalties. Payments were stopped once WWI started. The 1903 has a strong reliable action that served the Army for over thirty years in two world wars.
This 1903 was made in 1917 and is in Good overall condition. This will be a great addition to a collection. Please see our high quality photos and good luck on your bid! -M.C.
