Opinions on Springfield '03?

T

Trouble

New member
Greetings all:

I was thinking of picking up a bolt-action, and wanted something that was not only functional, but also historically significant to the USA. Does anyone have any insight regarding Springfield '03's, perhaps the A03 variant, i.e. how is the feel and the balance, do they shoot well, how expensive are they, etc.

Any info you can offer will be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Trouble

***********************
FREEDOM IS NOT FREE
***********************
 
My first HP rifle was an 03A3 and to this day I still have it. I paid $25 bucks for it my freshman year in college (had to go 2 weeks without eating to pay for it....to a Cajun that is a SACRAFICE). If TSHTF to this day it would be a toss up if I would grab my Garand or the 03A3. An 03A3 is rugged, accurate, strong, slick operating, and adapatable to modifications (though I would leave it like it is). The sights on the 03A3 are better than on the 03, a peep being easier and mopre accurate. Some 03A3's have a 2 groove barrel and some have a 4 groove. Mine is a 4 groove and accuracy is top notch, but I have heard of 2 grooves shooting very well indeed. Price today would run $400 on up. They are not cheap but good stuff never is.
 
For someone wanting a shooter, I would avoid the so-called "low number" Model 1903 rifles (Springfield Armory below 800,000, Rock Island Arsenal below 285,507). These had a type of heat treatment that sometimes made them brittle enough to actually shatter under some conditions.

Model 1903s above those numbers, and all Remington 1903s should be OK. As to originality from a collector's viewpoint, it is a jungle, and anyone paying a premium for an "original" rifle had better be very wary. Most 1903's in service were rebuilt at least once, with few retaining their original barrels, stocks, etc.

The Model 1903A3 is a little different situation. First, these were during WWII by Remington and Smith-Corona. Many were sold through the old DCM and quite a few were unissued. They do not have either the feel or the historical cachet of the Model 1903, but are more practical rifles.

Large numbers of Model 1903s and Model 1903A3s were "sporterized" in the periods between wars. These jobs range from beautiful to hacked up trash.

HTH

Jim
 
Only know (very)little about '03s. Check out
http://www.odcmp.com

or
http://www.fulton-armory.com

CMP can (occasionally) have some Springfields for sale. They also can have recievers, bbls, scope mounts and other goodies for sale. Periodically.

Fulton Armory has some info and links as well.

I would SERIOUSLY recommend that you inspect any potential purchase before you invest your bucks. A display piece can have a few flaws but if you want to fire a rifle that has been
1) made almost 100 yrs ago,
2) used in combat,
3) used by that most damaging force of all: THE RECRUIT!,

well...inspect to the point of being obsessive / compulsive. Most CMP items are inspected, but to a point. They STRONGLY recommend a going-over by a competent gunsmith.

Caveat Emptor!
 
See Jim Keenan's post. Avoid ANY low number except as a collector piece. DO NOT SHOOT a low number. Any M1903 with a serial # above 1,200,xxx are the premium rifles made in the late 1920's and 1930's, especially the M1903A1 with a C or pistolgrip stock. They were manufactured in peacetime and the craftsmanship can rival the finest civilian arms of the period. Many were sold through the DCM to NRA members in the 1930's and were never issued to the military. These command a premium and will always command a premium, especially if accompanied by a verification letter or DCM paperwork. If as issued, they will go for over $650 if you are very lucky and often over $1000. Any Remington M1903 (# over 3,000,xxx) are highly desirable, but are getting costly.

M1903 sights are precise and very fine adjusting, but are fragile. The M1903A3 sights are better for a battle rifle. M1903A3's are appreciating, especially Smith-Corona made rifles.

I have an original armory throat erosion guage for the M1903/M1903A3 rifles and M1919 machine gun. I have checked 100's of M1903 and M1903A3 guns. I have only ever seen 1 M1903A3 with a reading over 3. This is due to their not being issued during the war (kept as ready reserve). Most decent original barreled M1903s that saw military service range in the 4-5 range, some as high as 7-8 range. DCM sales guns can be used or as new, but they cost.

For those new to this, the erosion guage reads on a 1-10 scale. If a 3, it has roughly 70% life left as a servicable bore in a combat situation. That is NOT the same as an accurate bore. Many in fact were rebarreled before they reached 7 or 8. For this reason, if you are going for an accurate shooter with historical value, the M1903A3 is the bargain now. Many are as issued and were never rebuilt. I would recommend getting as close to original as you can afford, however, a good rework (by a US armory or arsenal and appropriately marked) is still collectable and great to shoot all day. A good friend deer hunts every year with his original Remington M1903A3 since he bought it in 1962 for $17.50 << :D >> from the DCM.

To learn more get "The Collectable '03" by Jesse Harrison. It has saved me many times its $32.00 cost.

Bill
 
Hi, Bill,

Harrison's book can be useful, but there are a number of mistakes and questionable statements. The biggest single error is in the use of the term "Rock Island Armory", which was a civilian company in the 1970s. 1903's were made at Rock Island Arsenal, which was and is a government facility, and they were so marked.

He also assigns to variations "Model" numbers which never existed and which have never been used anywhere else, such as Model of 1910, Model of 1941, etc. This confuses the beginner who thinks these are official model numbers.

Jim
 
Thank you all for your input and advice. I think you've sold me on the M1903A3. Now I just need to find one! There's a gun show coming to my area this weekend... perhaps fortune will be with me (and I won't have to work overtime!!!). I'll be sure check out the links you've provided, and Jesse Harrison's book as well.

Looks like I'll be getting myself an early Christmas present!!!

Thank you again for your help.

I remain
At your service,

Trouble


*****************************
FREEDOM IS NOT FREE
*****************************
 
Jim:

Yes I have found some 'differences' too in the Harrison book, however, it has been the most useful for me at a show, especially in size. The numerous non-standard variations do provide a certain evolutionary insight.

I failed to mention the 1903 books of Canfield, Brophy, and Clark Campbell, all of which I use for research. And then there is Crossman's "Book of the Springfield" 1950 revision. All useful and Crossman is especially nice to read. Opinionated, yes, but it really makes you wish for those wonderful DCM selections and authentic Springfield Sporters.

I enjoy the Springfield M1903's, but my main interest is their M1922 trainers, and other US trainers.
 
Personally, I find the 1903 Springfield to be the most beautiful bolt action ever produced. Mind you, I am talking about the action, not the entire weapon.
The lines, the machining quality, the details...
I am getting all squishy inside just thinking about them.

They are amazingly reliable, and can be shot quite accurately.
The 1903/A3 variant has better sights but has stamped steel floorplate and trigger guard where the 1903 has machined steel. The 1903/A3 sights are definitely superior.
I have several 1903s in various flavors from full military mint/unfired out through a gorgeous Sukale african hunting rifle done in the late 1920s.
I think that the 1903 Springfield (properly sportered) and the pre 64 Winchester model 70 in 30-06 are the best all around hunting rifles ever made.
There is no reason to avoid one of the two groove 1903/A3 rifles made after mid 1943. They are as accurate as the 4 groove weapons. I have and shoot some of each, and have seen a Navy dentist shoot a 3/8" group through iron sights with a two groove. Thats right... Three eighths of an inch. I watched him cover it with a dime. Quiggley, eat your heart out. :D

Well, now that I am all hot and bothered, I have to go fondle my Springfields for a while. It's a nice day here, so I will probably go out and get some trigger time with them as well.
:D

Mad Dog
 
You will like either the 03 or the 03A3. Others have posted the areas of concern on low numbered 03's.
I enjoy my 03A3. I take it deer hunting occasionaly. I have added a BSQUARE scope mount and 6 power bushnell to it.
It groups very tightly for me at 100 yds. Other than the temporary scope & mount it is full military issue and can be restored in minutes with scope/mount removal.

Although, in all honesty, I prefer to shoot my American enfield model 1917. It is a bit heavier, and the bulk makes for a more comfortable shhoter over the 03A3.

You might consider a good model 1917. They are a historical american bolt action. They are not the prettiest rifles ever made, but they are rugged, accurate, and very capable.

You did not say you would be interested in an M1 Garand, but they are 500 bucks from CMP.
 
MAD DOG-

I agree... I saw a picture of a 1903, and thought it was beautiful. Thanks for the testimonial on its accuarcy and reliability. Sounds like everything I could want in a rifle! Hope you didn't get too worked up writing your response... or at least I hope you got out to the range for some "relief" :)


tree-

Thank you for your reply as well, and the info regarding the accuracy of your '03A3.

I have considered getting an American Enfield model 1917, but I don't know too much about them, either. Perhaps if I were able to look over both an '03A3 and an Enfield 1917... I'd end up going home with two rifles!!!

I would also like to acquire a Garand, perhaps I should get one while the getting is good. I have heard others mention the CMP... I'll have to check it out. Oh, and since I'll probably end up with 3 rifles instead of just one after talking with you folks, I'll have to start up that secret bank account to hold my "firearms fund" without Mrs. Trouble finding out about it!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top