WWI US Springfield M1903 .30-06 Bolt Action Rifle 24” Barrel, 1907 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,325.00
LSB#: WY240911TR002
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1903
Serial Number: 291548
Year of Manufacture: 1907 (https://www.nps.gov/spar/learn/historyculture/u-s-springfield-model-1903-production.htm)
Barrel Date: June 1919
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 / 291548”. The top of the barrel is marked “S A / flaming bomb / 6 – 19” . The safety is marked “SAFE READY” and the magazine cutoff is marked “ON OFF”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade atop a raised base. 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 stock is a two piece wood set with a forend cap/bayonet lug & stacking ring, barrel band with sling loop, straight wrist, straight comb, sling loop, and steel buttplate. There are scratches, pressure dents, and small chips throughout. There are no cracks. LOP measures 12 3/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized, Blued
Finish Originality: Original to arsenal refurbishment.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is moderately worn. There is moderate to heavy erosion and moderate spots of pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 3/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its metal finish. There are scratches, nicks, light thinning, and spots of patina and rust throughout. The barrel and rear sight block have not been refurbished. The receiver and bolt have light spots of rust. There is light action wear. The screw heads are lightly tooled. The markings are well defined. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as refurbished.
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: Leather sling.
Our Assessment: The U.S. Springfield M1903 is one of the most iconic American military rifles, renowned for its craftsmanship, accuracy, and historical significance. Originally developed by the Springfield Armory in the early 20th century, the M1903 was officially adopted by the U.S. military in 1903 and remained in frontline service through World War I, World War II, and beyond. Modeled after the German Mauser action, the M1903 combined robust engineering with finely tuned accuracy, which made it both a durable service rifle and a precision tool for marksmen. Chambered in .30-06 Springfield, the M1903 used a bolt-action mechanism with a five-round internal magazine that could be reloaded using stripper clips. The .30-06 cartridge, adopted in 1906, offered excellent range and stopping power, capable of effective performance out to 1,000 yards. This rifle’s action was renowned for its strength, featuring dual front locking lugs and a controlled-feed claw extractor similar to the Mauser 98. The Springfield M1903 is known for its excellent accuracy, which made it popular with snipers and competitive shooters. During World War I, the rifle saw extensive use and was eventually modified with scopes and other enhancements to function as a sniper rifle. By World War II, it had been largely replaced by the semi-automatic M1 Garand for general infantry use, though it continued to serve in specialized roles, including sniper duty and training. The M1903A3 and M1903A4 versions, introduced during WWII, included updates such as simplified rear sights and improved optics mounts to streamline production and enhance battlefield functionality.
Today, the M1903 is prized among collectors and history enthusiasts for its historical value and craftsmanship. Many M1903 rifles have been preserved in excellent condition, showcasing the Springfield Armory’s commitment to quality and the rifle’s role in shaping American military history. It remains a symbol of American resilience, skill, and tradition in military arms. -R.E.
