Springfield Armory 1903 Sporting Rifle .308 Win. Bolt Action RifleOur Assessment: When the US Army was looking for a rifle design to replace the 1898 Krag rifle, they looked directly at the Spanish Model 1893 Mauser. This was due to the fact that the performance of the Model 1893 Mauser was far superior than that of the 1898 Krag during the Spanish-American War. The Model 1903 is basically a redesigned Mauser clone. A U.S. Patent Court eventually found that the U.S. Army had violated Mauser's patents and required the U.S. Army to pay the German Mauser manufacturers patent royalties. Payments were stopped once WWI started. The 1903 has a strong reliable action that served the Army for over thirty years in two world wars. The 1903A3 is an improved version of the 1903 rifle that was introduced in 1942. The most significant change was the switch to a receiver bridge-mounted rear aperture sight.This Springfield Armory Model 1903 was made in 1930, it has been rebuilt and refinished, it includes a sight protector. This bolt action rifle is in Very Nice condition, it looks impressive for a 90 year old military rifle. This 1903 has good Springfield markings on the receiver. This 1903 has a Fine bore, strong mechanics, nice Blued finish and a well preserved wood stock. This well maintained rifle will be perfect for target practice at the range. Please see our photos, good luck and happy bidding!
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1903
Serial Number: 1365872
Year of Manufacture: 1930
Caliber: Rechambered to .308 Winchester
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle, Fixed Internal Magazine
Barrel Length: 24"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade set atop a raised base with a sight protector installed. The replaced rear sight is a Lyman fully adjustable aperture that is attached to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a semi pistol grip, nose cap with bayonet lug, stacking loop, barrel band, 2 sling loops and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The wood shows a few scattered scrapes and scratches. The LOP measures 13" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition, as refurbished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore has an M.E. of 1. The bore is mostly bright. The muzzle and grooves are gray showing some light freckling. In this writer's opinion and for the age, the bore rates a 9 out of 10. Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950's.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The metal shows some scrapes and small scratches. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
CA LEGALITY: C&R: NO, CA DEALER Transferable: YES
RIFLE