As I previously posted on these forums, I had a chance to pickup an old 1903 Springfield that belonged to me back in the 1980’s. As I wrote, I sold it to a friend when we were going off to college. After college the friend moved out of state and we lost touch until recently. During our conversation, he mentioned that he still had my “old Springfield”. After some talk, I asked if he’d be willing to sell it back to me since it had just been sitting in a closet in his parents home since he had moved out years ago. After finding out that it was a low serial number (and giving it some more thought), I offered him $300, and he accepted the offer. It came as pictured with the 30-40 Krag bayonet. When I owned it back in the 80’s, people generally just used them as deer rifles, not collectibles, so I hadn’t researched it previously, so I also bought the book pictured to learn more.
From what I’ve gathered so far (after only a quick glance at the book and rifle) is that my gun is a mixmaster. According to the serial number it was manufactured in 1904. From reading I expected it to be in an “S” stock, but it is in an RIA stock. The barrel has a marking I haven’t been able to find in my book yet “AV”,dated 11-18. The bolt is a later, swept back type. The sights seem to have been converted when they re-did the rifles for 30-06. The stock does have a crack (see picture) near the box magazine door. That about all I have learned so far.
If any of you can help me out with the finer details I sure would appreciate it. For instance, is it unusual for this receiver to be found in an RIA stock? I also notice two holes drilled into the right, rear of the receiver as if someone has maybe tried to put on a peepsight or something? Can anyone confirm if this is true, or are the two holes and the associated cut in the stock of military origin? I don’t see anything on the gun that is overtly WWII. Do any of you think this gun was still in service for WWII? Right now I plan on using it as a wall hanger in my man cave, but I may decide to trade it on one that I can shoot. If I do, what kind of trade value, or sale value could I realistically expect to get from a low serial numbered Springfield with the features pictured? Any and all feedback on the guns history, features, and value in regard to condition and being that it is a low serial number are greatly appreciated. Thanks for any help.
From what I’ve gathered so far (after only a quick glance at the book and rifle) is that my gun is a mixmaster. According to the serial number it was manufactured in 1904. From reading I expected it to be in an “S” stock, but it is in an RIA stock. The barrel has a marking I haven’t been able to find in my book yet “AV”,dated 11-18. The bolt is a later, swept back type. The sights seem to have been converted when they re-did the rifles for 30-06. The stock does have a crack (see picture) near the box magazine door. That about all I have learned so far.
If any of you can help me out with the finer details I sure would appreciate it. For instance, is it unusual for this receiver to be found in an RIA stock? I also notice two holes drilled into the right, rear of the receiver as if someone has maybe tried to put on a peepsight or something? Can anyone confirm if this is true, or are the two holes and the associated cut in the stock of military origin? I don’t see anything on the gun that is overtly WWII. Do any of you think this gun was still in service for WWII? Right now I plan on using it as a wall hanger in my man cave, but I may decide to trade it on one that I can shoot. If I do, what kind of trade value, or sale value could I realistically expect to get from a low serial numbered Springfield with the features pictured? Any and all feedback on the guns history, features, and value in regard to condition and being that it is a low serial number are greatly appreciated. Thanks for any help.
. The receiver's heat treat is questionable and it may fail, as you know. The barrel is also a small question mark for safety although when made they were considered fine.
