1903 Springfield Price Help

[Shazam]

I'm going to look at a "Low Serial Number" 1903 tomorrow. It has a WW2 barrel, so I assume it to be a non-original rebuilt rifle. It's said to be in "Nice Shape" whatever that means. The seller is somewhat motivated.

I've been on the lookout for an 03 Springfield to go along with my 03A3. Of course a later receiver would be much preferred due to the heat treating issues, but I would consider an early gun if priced really attractively.

Looking around the internet I see a huge price range. Does anyone have suggestions of the market value?

 

[ken792]

For a low number, WWII rebuild, $350-450. It might be worth paying more if it has something notable about it, like is a USMC rebuild, has really good condition wood, or a really good condition bore.

 

[Reptile]

I'm going to look at a "Low Serial Number" 1903 tomorrow. It has a WW2 barrel, so I assume it to be a non-original rebuilt rifle. It's said to be in "Nice Shape" whatever that means. The seller is somewhat motivated.

I've been on the lookout for an 03 Springfield to go along with my 03A3. Of course a later receiver would be much preferred due to the heat treating issues, but I would consider an early gun if priced really attractively.

Looking around the internet I see a huge price range. Does anyone have suggestions of the market value?

Here's the best source of advice I've found on the net:
http://www.jouster.com/forums/archive/index.php/f-9.html

 

[Dave91]

Ken is right on. Since you said you would prefer a high number receiver, you should just save up some more for one of those. For a couple hundred more (give or take) you can find a nice ww2 rebuild shooter.

 

[molonlabe]

For a low number, WWII rebuild, $350-450. It might be worth paying more if it has something notable about it, like is a USMC rebuild, has really good condition wood, or a really good condition bore.

I have one that has Han excellent bore, but is a low number. I have shot it once with a light reload and the extractor broke. I replaced it and it's a wall hanger now complete with the original cleaning kit. I think I paid $350 for it I would not go much above that. I always had the philosophy that if you can't shoot it why have it. That's why I don't have centennial models of winchesters or 45's

 

[Shazam]

Thanks. It sounds like it may be worth even less then I thought.

 

[fred333]

For a low number, WWII rebuild, $350-450. It might be worth paying more if it has something notable about it, like is a USMC rebuild, has really good condition wood, or a really good condition bore.

Ditto and I'd add a Mark I to the list.

Not long ago, a friend rang me to see if he'd overpaid for a middling condition 200k-ish serial '03 he'd picked up for a couple hundred from a co-worker who was selling off his late father's belongings. Considering its generally poor condition, I (initially) told him he'd overpaid. However, once I saw the rifle and its "Mark I" designation (and accompanying (Pederson) port in the side of its receiver), I explained that he'd done very well...and told him not to shoot it.

 

[falconguy]

Here's my Springfield M1903. It's in the 900,000 serial number range and has a 10/32 SA barrel. The bore is bright and beautiful and the stock is superb. The stacking swivel is missing but that should be easy to replace. I paid a pretty penny but I personally think it's worth it. It all depends on what you want to pay.

 

[Shazam]

Well, I looked at the rifle today. Bubba refinished the stock real nice and shiny. Covered the cross bolts with wood putty or something. Some of the metalwork looks painted black.

The bore looked like new however.

I didn't buy it. Thanks everyone for the pricing info.

 

[falconguy]

Well, I looked at the rifle today. Bubba refinished the stock real nice and shiny. Covered the cross bolts with wood putty or something. Some of the metalwork looks painted black.

The bore looked like new however.

I didn't buy it. Thanks everyone for the pricing info.

I hate Bubba!

 

[ken792]

Ditto and I'd add a Mark I to the list.

Not long ago, a friend rang me to see if he'd overpaid for a middling condition 200k-ish serial '03 he'd picked up for a couple hundred from a co-worker who was selling off his late father's belongings. Considering its generally poor condition, I (initially) told him he'd overpaid. However, once I saw the rifle and its "Mark I" designation (and accompanying (Pederson) port in the side of its receiver), I explained that he'd done very well...and told him not to shoot it.

Mark 1's are all high number and Springfield Armory, so the serial number should not be 200k. Mark 1 production did not begin until well after they solved the heat treat issue.

 

[fred333]

Mark 1's are all high number and Springfield Armory, so the serial number should not be 200k. Mark 1 production did not begin until well after they solved the heat treat issue.

He has two '03s, the other with a 1m-ish serial. I may've gotten the serials mixed-up. Thanks for the correction. My apologies.