I was checking out the used rack at Gander today when I spotted a 1903 Springfield with a 349.99 price tag on it. It turned out to be a low numbered receiver in the 24000 serial number range which I believe means it was made in 1903. It has a 1919 marked Rock Island barrel on it so it's been rebarrelled but still the lowest number 1903 I've ever held. Sadly it has not been well cared for, the entire rifle was covered in light surface rust with some pitting mixed in. The bore was so clogged with gunk that the light from my Streamlight flashlight barely showed through and the stock was rough with no real finish left and a cracked handguard. Despite all the negatives I'm still tempted to go back for it on friday(payday), I've been looking for a restoration project to try electrolysis on and this might fit the bill. I'm just not sure if I want to sink money into a rifle that really isn't safe to shoot anyway no matter what I do.

Here are the only two pics I got before "Mr helpful" in the orange vest came over to ask what I was doing, what does the hive  think? is it worth going back for?

That's going to be a lot of work for a rifle that may or may not be safe to shoot. (And most would recommend you do not shoot)

I'd have to get it for far under $350 to even consider it. For a couple hundred more, you can find a perfectly serviceable example that is in the safe SN range.

I'd haggle hard or pass (or both, unless you can get it for under $200).

That's a $50 rifle. It does have a nice "Just pulled from hayloft" look though.

Thanks for the reply's, I guess I just feel bad for it. I already have a high number Springfield 03 as well as a Remington 03 and a Smith Corona 03A3 so its not like I "need" it. The more I think about it the more I'm leaning to letting it go.I just have this re-occuring nightmare where it ends up tapped and drilled for a scope as somebody's deer rifle, It's not like Gander Mountain is going to tell a buyer that its unsafe to shoot or anything.

yep, that's not a 350 rifle.  
-bad receiver
-rust in the barrel
-cracked handguard
-stock?  poor?

if the stock was pristine with original cartouches that might be the only salvagable item.


Cleaned up, you still would have a wall hanger.  I know one fellow that has a low number he shoots only light cast bullet loads in and is happy with it.

You might aprise the manager of that fact and the legal liability that entails and offer to take it off their hands as a wall hanger for a nominal price.

I'd let someone else have a 25 hour project on their hands! It will still come out less than desire able . I'd pass

Been fondling that same rifle, I thought it was way high for being only good as a wall hanger once cleaned up.  The staff seemed completely unconcerned when I told them it was unsafe to fire due to being a low serial number.  I've tried to haggle with them before and have only gotten stonewalled.  Best of luck if you pick it up, Thats a fine old warhorse that deserved better care than it got.

I love a challenge but at anything over $100.00 I'd pass.

Pass.

Sad someone neglected/abused that rifle like that...  

I have to agree, $350 for something that is probably never going to be more than a wall-hanger seems a little steep no matter how cool it is.

I want a nice '03 too but I would pass on that one unless it is close to being free.  Then, I would not sink much money into it.  If you like working on things, elbow grease is fine.