What to look for with 1903 Springfields?

[SnowmanKPT]

I was in a local pawn shop today and happened across a 1903 Springfield that appeared to be in near original condition. However, not being an expert by any stretch of th imagination I wasn't sure what to look for in determining if it was worth the asking price - $2000. It definitely appeared old and well worn but from some digging I've found, didn't appear to have the finger grooves on the forearm of the stock or the improved sights of the A3 models. However as I have stated wasn't sure what I should be looking for... it just seems that $2000 seems rather steep. Any and all help would be appreciated. - K.P.T.

[RazorBurn]

This will give you some ideas about 1903's especially serial numbers. Low serial numbers are a much debated topic on the CMP forums, but there is a risk of shooting a low serial number Springfield or Rock Island receivers because they were only single heat treated.

Link ---> http://www.odcmp.com/Sales/m1903.htm

Price wise, I'd say anywhere from $500.00 to $800.00 depending on overall condition, muzzle wear, throat erosion, condition and type of stock also. A lot of shops think an '03 is a gold mine, but they're not bringing big money. I picked up an all Remington 1903A3 on Gunbroker for $625.00 shipped that was in excellent condition four or five months ago. The sellers asking price for the '03A3 I picked up was $875.00 by the way.

I'd check out completed auctions on Gunbroker so you can get a feel for what they're going for. I'd honestly say $1,000.00 would be a reach, and only then if it's in cherry condition.

Always some for sale on the CMP forums here ---> http://forums.thecmp.org/forumdisplay.php?f=89

[La Grenouille]

AIM Surplus has 1903s for $800 to $1k depending on conditions, and when they're in stock

[goetztrp]

CMP store at Camp Perry also has them for a lot cheaper than the prices shown.

[Jim Watson]

For $2000 I would expect a pristine example of a standard 1903 or 1903A1, kind of like the 1911s celebrated here that are too nice to shoot.
OR
a decent example of something unusual like a NM or a 1903 that did not get the 1905 or 1906 upgrades.

For anything at all ordinary, that is about triple the going price.

[Peter B]

Blue Book has them up to $5000 but those are early and pristine. Most were either updated or sportized and some have been "re-originaled". Have someone look at it who is VERY (meaning TRUELY) knowledgable.

[Phil McGrath]

Thats just a insane price, I would expect a pristeen NM 03a1 for that kind of coin. I would go over to www.jouster.com for good info a few people I would ask/trust off the top of my head for quality 03 Springfield info are John Baird, ChuckinDenver, RicktheLibrarian.

[6point8shooter]

$2k is absurd!

The CMP forum or jouster will allow you to learn a bit about the M1903.
I have a Correct Grade CMP issued M1903A3, it's nearly perfect, was less
than $1k. Average 1903 rifles are $600-800 for a very good condition shooter.

[Baba Louie]

A pawn shop? They might have what... $150 in it if taken in on pawn? Unless it's a star guaged NM or 03-A4 (highest end of the '03 world IMO) actual values are as others here have stated. $750 ish in good shape.

Offer the pawn shop $400 cash unless they can show you why it is so valuable. Your attitude might be... Just another old relic to you with all sorts of unknown potential problems. No way worth that much OTD.

http://www.amazon.com/A-Collectors-G.../dp/091721840X

...worth a read if '03s are in your future. There are other books as well, but this is a place to start (if you like reading books look at their related offerings, a plethora of knowledge there). A lot of variations in the model over the years.

Now a 1922-M2 in .22lr might approach that price range, in fact they are. Cheaper to shoot as well. But pricey.

[RickB]

If you are going to shoot it, have the headspace checked. Mine will close on a No-Go, but not on a Field gauge, so I still shoot it a bit.

[boykinpup]

The 03 Springfield can turn into a swamp if one is not careful. $2,000 is no where near correct, unless it has papers and DNA to back it up.

[vikingsoftpaw]

98% of all Springfields have been barreled, so the odds are the one you are looking at is not all original.

[Johnny Numbers]

I have a "Smith Corona" that I paid $200 for back in the middle 90's. I have never shot it and my father has it at his house probably stuck in one of his closets somewhere.

I have no idea what it would be worth now...but if it's in the range of $600+...then that's a pretty good return on my initial investment. I may have to go over there and snap a few pics to post. My curiosity is definitely piqued.

[flgolfer29]

I recently sold one that had been sporterized for $190.00. It had a beautiful stock but had been rebarreled. The gun (Springfield Armory) dated 1920 or 1921 & the barrel dated 1944(?) best I remember. I really have no interest in long guns and it was taking up valuable safe real estate.

I paid $100 for it about six months ago.

Joe