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View Full Version : 1903A1 how'd I do...what do I have?



Willie_Maker
05-06-2013, 08:24
So this beauty found its way home with me after last weeks gun show.
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp31/Willie_Maker/1903A1/1bfe0df08502a52db9e1c2850deb717b_zpsdd6e795b.jpg (http://s395.photobucket.com/user/Willie_Maker/media/1903A1/1bfe0df08502a52db9e1c2850deb717b_zpsdd6e795b.jpg.h tml)
So in my usual need to research what I can about the history of my service rifles I came up with some interesting tid-bits. Starting out I only have the North Cape pub. 1903 Springfield book which seems to cover the basics, and a little Internet search to find out: The rifle was a 1934 build which from what I can tell puts it in the inter-war production years where Springfield was producing NM and NRA commercial sales. The curious findings are the blueing is dark/blackish on the receiver and small parts.
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp31/Willie_Maker/1903A1/3a8b832f5971189ad05b0b26a24d2e76_zps14d376df.jpg (http://s395.photobucket.com/user/Willie_Maker/media/1903A1/3a8b832f5971189ad05b0b26a24d2e76_zps14d376df.jpg.h tml)
It has the non notched sight but is unpolished like the NM Sights?
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp31/Willie_Maker/1903A1/41ad77b31b5509d1e6cc245d63c4fc6f_zpsaf718588.jpg (http://s395.photobucket.com/user/Willie_Maker/media/1903A1/41ad77b31b5509d1e6cc245d63c4fc6f_zpsaf718588.jpg.h tml)
The bolt is stamped BF 46, not NS like the NM rifles and blued, not polished.
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp31/Willie_Maker/1903A1/57b6349e97d00286989d5fbe754f2328_zps8080d95b.jpg (http://s395.photobucket.com/user/Willie_Maker/media/1903A1/57b6349e97d00286989d5fbe754f2328_zps8080d95b.jpg.h tml)
The springfield stock and hand guard appear consistent with the production of the rifle and the rebuild AAR rebuild stamps seem to match the newish 11/42 RA barrel
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp31/Willie_Maker/1903A1/36acde75826d22cd84cf609535560e08_zps8bc1d270.jpg (http://s395.photobucket.com/user/Willie_Maker/media/1903A1/36acde75826d22cd84cf609535560e08_zps8bc1d270.jpg.h tml)
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp31/Willie_Maker/1903A1/d0fcae601e35499c34960ee27b0308b7_zpse343face.jpg (http://s395.photobucket.com/user/Willie_Maker/media/1903A1/d0fcae601e35499c34960ee27b0308b7_zpse343face.jpg.h tml).
Serif P, no circle, possibly refinished stock, no drawing numbers on stock or HG
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp31/Willie_Maker/1903A1/5ee30565316980b15d6d8c98487cbb21_zps3319e77d.jpg (http://s395.photobucket.com/user/Willie_Maker/media/1903A1/5ee30565316980b15d6d8c98487cbb21_zps3319e77d.jpg.h tml)
Another view of the contrasting receiver and barrel finish
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp31/Willie_Maker/1903A1/34b5a38c0965d3d8d7f50e9b09cb4504_zpsedcad224.jpg (http://s395.photobucket.com/user/Willie_Maker/media/1903A1/34b5a38c0965d3d8d7f50e9b09cb4504_x.jpg.html)
interestingly when I took it apart tonight I discovered bedding material around the receiver lug, what the??
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp31/Willie_Maker/1903A1/8772ba2a422879e44e7ab6a776437072_zpsad459b5b.jpg (http://s395.photobucket.com/user/Willie_Maker/media/1903A1/8772ba2a422879e44e7ab6a776437072_zpsad459b5b.jpg.h tml)
All the screws appeared untampered with, many were packed with grease and looked as new after removal.
Other interesting notes include 1903A3 buttplate, changed out during rebuild?
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp31/Willie_Maker/1903A1/69821dea0ebbbe9a7a86d431e2e2f0bd_zps82c91e3a.jpg (http://s395.photobucket.com/user/Willie_Maker/media/1903A1/69821dea0ebbbe9a7a86d431e2e2f0bd_zps82c91e3a.jpg.h tml)
Also a Danish crown over FKF GI style sling and matching plastic oiler in stock. Lastly the 1903. stamp on the receiver appears sanded,ground mostly off, visible but not strong like the rest of the markings, zoom in pic 2 to see.
My guess,a commercial rebuild service rifle? Or combo of NM / rebuild? Or possibly Danish CMP return (haven't called CMP to run numbers).
Any input will be greatly appreciated. Oh and it shoots great with match reloads, 1-1.5 moa
Thanks
WM

Rick the Librarian
05-06-2013, 09:05
The Remington barrel is not seen that much on Springfield rifles. The bolt is a WWII replacement, as is the buttplate (a 1903A3, to be exact). The rifle might be a post-military put-together target rifle - the bedding certainly suggests that. A nice looker, though.

Willie_Maker
05-06-2013, 09:11
Thanks Rick, I forgot to mention the trigger is noticeably sooth and clean breaking which caught my attention early on. Way nicer than other service rifles I've examined. Could add to the idea of a built target rifle.

chuckindenver
05-06-2013, 09:23
nice looking rifle, barrel, and bedding likely done by someone other then the Military, rear sight is a early type with no long range notch,
not likely a match rifle. more likely a nice shooter someone built from parts..nothing wrong with it...shoot and enjoy.

Willie_Maker
05-07-2013, 05:12
Thanks for the input fellas, I appreciate the help. Well whatever it is, I'm happy.