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Posted: 3/30/2013 6:17:05 PM EDT
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I looked for a good source of values for a Springfield 1903. My firearms book has nothing on them. Buddy of mine has one and wants to sell it. Look on gunbroker and the prices were all over the place. |
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Quoted: Pictures would help. Show good detail of it's major features and condition, plus the roll marks. Or a very detailed description. But you know how we like pics.  LOL!! Yes... Yes I do! pics and crayons actually for me  Well, he told me he has two. I will get them and post as soon as I can. May take a week or so when I see him next. |
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The reason prices are all over the place on an '03 is because there are so many variables and so many versions out there. Many are not correct with cartouche vs serial number, bolt style, inspectors stamp, dates, etc.
If you are looking for a good shooter, just buy it for looks and barrel and dont pay more than $700/$800 dollars max. If you want a collectors rifle, educate yourself or find an expert in the field who either has, or can find you, a nice rifle in your price range that is collector correct. Especially if you are looking on Gun Broker. |
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I recently paid $595 for a good shooting, but not correct, Springfield 1903 Mark I. Serial number falls in the 1919 range and it has a Remington barrel and bolt. Stock is in good shape but has no cartouches, so I assume it was either sanded down at some point or is a commercially made stock. No rust or pitting and the bore is perfect. The same gun shop had a 1903 (a Springfield) made in 1905 that looked to be in fair condition that they were selling it for $495. Again, not an entirely original rifle and it may have been refinished by the looks of it. Several years ago I paid ~$800 for a very correct Remington 1903A3. I don't know what they go for now, but I assume it would be similar, maybe slightly higher. It really comes down to how original it is, if it has been refinished, and its condition, but I have seen everything from $495 to well over $1000, with the average price probably being around $750 or so. |
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Theres a few things to check for.
-Check to see if there are any import marks anywhere, that will decrease the value - Check the serial number, if it is a Low serial number 1903 ( Under 800,000 for springfield and under 286,506 for Rock Island). If its under that its considered a low number,possibly unsafe to shoot and not worth as much as higher serial numbers except for historical value - Check to see if it has any CMP paperwork, if it does it increases the value - Check the headspace. The bolts have often been switched out over the years and you may have a mismatched bolt which could cause headspace issues. A simple go, no-go gauge will work Im sure Im forgetting something.. My recent purchases - $650 for a CMP papered Remington 1903 - $650 for an unpapered Remington 1903A3 |
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