I have been searching high and low for a Springfield M1903 that I can purchase as a first firearm for myself. and so I can sharpen up on my marksmanship, its been about 3 years since I've held anything...
I know nothing about them exept that early (low number) models have some brittle components and could pose a safety hazard.
I dont know how to identify early/late models yet, and I'm doing my best to read up on them now, but would like some of your guys' advice.
I am looking for a bolt action rifle, and it was either going to be an m1903, remington 700, or a winchester model 70. All of which use the common 30-.06 rifle round. here is a picture of the serial#
EDIT:
[This message has been edited by AL87 (edited 08-27-2013).]
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10:09 PM
PFF
System Bot
AL87 Member
Posts: 2578 From: Bradenton, Florida, United States Registered: Mar 2010
In my opinion, you can't beat the older Remington 700 BDL or ADL. Probably the most accurate "out of the box" rifle made. You also might want to consider the Mosin Nagant 91/30. Rotgut surplus ammo is cheap and will do anything a 30.06 can do. Just my opinion.
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11:38 PM
Aug 28th, 2013
AL87 Member
Posts: 2578 From: Bradenton, Florida, United States Registered: Mar 2010
It has probably been 10 years or so but you could buy a 1903 for $200. The problem was older milspec ammo was not the same as modern 30.06 ammo. I would not fire a 1903 or M1 with modern ammo because they weren't designed for the pressure. If you want a collectible wall hanger, then buy a 1903 or M1. I'm not trying to be arrogant, I'm just trying to give you advice based on my experience. I hope others chime in and set me straight if I'm wrong.
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01:27 AM
California Kid Member
Posts: 9541 From: Metro Detroit Area, Michigan Registered: Jul 2001
The Remington 721 can be made into a very fine shooting gun, so accurate you don't need a detachable magazine.
This one has a micro-bedded stock, free floating barrel, adjustable trigger, just to name some of the points. You can drive tacks with it @ 300 yards (.270 cal.).
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01:28 AM
AL87 Member
Posts: 2578 From: Bradenton, Florida, United States Registered: Mar 2010
It has probably been 10 years or so but you could buy a 1903 for $200. The problem was older milspec ammo was not the same as modern 30.06 ammo. I would not fire a 1903 or M1 with modern ammo because they weren't designed for the pressure. If you want a collectible wall hanger, then buy a 1903 or M1. I'm not trying to be arrogant, I'm just trying to give you advice based on my experience. I hope others chime in and set me straight if I'm wrong.
pullled from the article, from the link I provided.
A second problem that Hatcher found was the hardness of the brass cartridge cases, and the design of the Springfield chamber-bolt interface. He states:
"One thing made evident by these tests is the fact that the weakest feature of the modern military actions is the cartridge case itself. In the Springfield rifle the head of the cartridge cases projects out of the rear end of the chamber a distance of from 0.147 to 0.1485; in other words, there is a space of well over an eighth of an inch where the pressure is held in only by the brass." (See Hatcher p 205.)
During the 1920's officials within the Ordnance Department investigated the problem more thoroughly, including destructive testing of receivers. Three rifles with low serial numbers were fired with cartridges that produced known levels of pressure starting at 70,000 pounds per square inch. One receiver failed at 80,000 pounds and the other two at 100,000 pounds. All of these receivers withstood pressures well above that experienced with military ammunition, yet none failed until pressure was raised between 50% to 100% above normal operating pressure. In 1926 24 high numbered receivers were subjected to pressures up to 125,000 pounds per square inch. None failed. (See Hatcher pp 227-229).
The 1903 is one of the best weapons ever made the condition of the barrel dictates the price ,if this weapon was manufactured in the late 30s you have no problem.. this weapon is extremely accurate ,interesting. a colletor piece even tho there were a zillion made I have fired this weapon from the 600 yard line getting more center bull hits than I did with an M14 with witch I was an expert the Marines who first landed at Guadalcanal were armed completely with 1903 bolt action ,,they did not see the M1 untill army troops landed equiped with the M1 2 Marines regiments cleared belleau woods of a german army,with mostly 1903 & bayonette,saving the french army. A new bolt long barrel is the better weapon ,buy a used one ,,most people seldom fire thier rifles spend some time learning how to accurize the weapon,one step at a time ignore all the fancy stuff to shoot !!stick to the basics SIGHT ALIGNMENT WILL GET THE KILLS & THE BULLS IN BASIC MARKSMANSHIP ""SIGHT ALIGNMENT"" IS MOST IMPORTANT SIGHT PICTURE /TRIGGER SQUEEZE/,BREATHING/CHEEK & HAND POSITION ,STOCK POSITION ALWAYS THE SAME THE BOLT THROW ALWAYS THE SAME
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12:49 PM
AL87 Member
Posts: 2578 From: Bradenton, Florida, United States Registered: Mar 2010
The 1903 is one of the best weapons ever made the condition of the barrel dictates the price ,if this weapon was manufactured in the late 30s you have no problem.. this weapon is extremely accurate ,interesting. a colletor piece even tho there were a zillion made I have fired this weapon from the 600 yard line getting more center bull hits than I did with an M14 with witch I was an expert the Marines who first landed at Guadalcanal were armed completely with 1903 bolt action ,,they did not see the M1 untill army troops landed equiped with the M1 2 Marines regiments cleared belleau woods of a german army,with mostly 1903 & bayonette,saving the french army. A new bolt long barrel is the better weapon ,buy a used one ,,most people seldom fire thier rifles spend some time learning how to accurize the weapon,one step at a time ignore all the fancy stuff to shoot !!stick to the basics SIGHT ALIGNMENT WILL GET THE KILLS & THE BULLS IN BASIC MARKSMANSHIP ""SIGHT ALIGNMENT"" IS MOST IMPORTANT SIGHT PICTURE /TRIGGER SQUEEZE/,BREATHING/CHEEK & HAND POSITION ,STOCK POSITION ALWAYS THE SAME THE BOLT THROW ALWAYS THE SAME
Are you okay brother? reading what you typed made me feel like I was with you in what seemed like a flashback of yours.
and I NEED TO CHECK THE RIFLING IN THE BARREL* If I can get the seller to provide proof of a certified passed inspection by a gunsmith (if such a thing even exists) then I will most likely buy it. heck, I know I can pick up a remington 700 at my walmart for 500 +tax+ background check, but I want something with character and history.
I did my research on the rifle being sold, and it should be %100 safe to shoot, and not part of the "low number" models in which the recievers were shattering. the current owner states the barrel is original. so the rifling is key for me.
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11:10 PM
AL87 Member
Posts: 2578 From: Bradenton, Florida, United States Registered: Mar 2010
here is the response I have in email from the seller.
"Excellent condition Springfield 1903 serial #1470633 (1931-1932 manufacture period) with original barrel dated 1-33. Original finger groove style wooden stock. Plain butt cap. Parkerization (dark greenish grey) is correct and in very good condition. Original leather sling is attached. Had it appraised at $700"
"the appraiser said it was clean and bright with good grooves. Looks ok to me, guns in really good condition."
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11:13 PM
Aug 29th, 2013
Formula88 Member
Posts: 53788 From: Raleigh NC Registered: Jan 2001