My Grandfather was an officer in the Army, Pacific Theater during WW2 and retired from the reserves as a Colonel. When he died in 1980 my Grandmother gave me all his insignias, ribbons and medals along with a few loaded Thompson magazines and his 1903 Springfield/Remington(modified) rifle. My Grandfather never talked about his time in the army and I didn’t know he had the rifle. I am not sure how he acquired it, but it fits his time in service. My grandmother said it never left their house and he never fired it.
I was in the Navy at the time so put it all in storage until I got out. It moved around with me, but I never fired it, broke it down or even handled it much, other than wiping it down once every few years. I recently became more interested in it after taking up trap shooting. I knew nothing about 1903s, in fact even though my grandfather was in ww2, I always thought the rifle was from ww1! I started researching it and discovered the following:
- The barrel was made in 12/42 and proofed after assembly.
- The serial number on the action falls between late December 42 and January 43.
- The build is consistent with the modified, pre A3 builds.
- It is pinned instead of bolted through the action which is consistent with a very short run in 1942.
- The bolt was subcontracted.
Looking at the rifle with fresh eyes, now 43 years after receiving it, I think it may have only been test fired. The barrel looks bright and brand new and the rifle itself looks the same. I would like any additional feedback, advice and some direction on a value if possible. I have many other photo's but looks like I can only upload three. Thanks!
I was in the Navy at the time so put it all in storage until I got out. It moved around with me, but I never fired it, broke it down or even handled it much, other than wiping it down once every few years. I recently became more interested in it after taking up trap shooting. I knew nothing about 1903s, in fact even though my grandfather was in ww2, I always thought the rifle was from ww1! I started researching it and discovered the following:
- The barrel was made in 12/42 and proofed after assembly.
- The serial number on the action falls between late December 42 and January 43.
- The build is consistent with the modified, pre A3 builds.
- It is pinned instead of bolted through the action which is consistent with a very short run in 1942.
- The bolt was subcontracted.
Looking at the rifle with fresh eyes, now 43 years after receiving it, I think it may have only been test fired. The barrel looks bright and brand new and the rifle itself looks the same. I would like any additional feedback, advice and some direction on a value if possible. I have many other photo's but looks like I can only upload three. Thanks!
