Springfield 1903 30-06 What is its value?? - The Firearms Forum

jreed1980 · 12-09-2011, 01:55 PM

I am looking at a 1903 Springfield bolt action 30.06, wood in nice condition. Bomb proofed 9/30 SA. No marks on muzzle, strong rifling, slight pitting, chamber good. It looks like on the forend of the stock/on bottom there is some carvings..almost like someone was keeping track of something....what are those? The serial number is 1201601. The dealer is asking $895 for the rifle. Is it worth this? If not what should I try to offer. And if anyone can also add some history or additional info about this rifle, that would be great! And is this the model A3? And is this a world war 2 era firearm? And lastly are these safe to fire?

Jim K · 12-09-2011, 08:03 PM

That rifle is a Model 1903, not a Model 1903A3, and was made in 1920. At some point, probably during WWII, it was refinished by Parkerizing, and the stock replaced with a "scant" type WWII stock. Were it a 1920 rifle in original condtion, $900 would be a steal; as it is, and IMHO, it is worth around $400.

That rifle is not a "low number"; assuming it checks out for headspace, etc., it should be perfectly safe to fire.

The "carvings" might be inspection marks put on the stock when the rifle it was originally on was inspected at the Remington factory.

Jim

jreed1980 · 12-09-2011, 09:53 PM

Thanks again Jim! I am glad to have your guidance on this rifle. I was almost ready to shell out some major $. Are the Smith-Corona guns worth anything? He has one in average shape marked 1942...and has a price of $550.00 on it. I would say it is about 20% less nice than the Springfield. Any thoughts on that one?

fordtrucksforever · 12-10-2011, 03:52 AM

Be sure to check its not a third world used up left over that was imported back in the US. If the rifling is very good condition, and head spacing is close, may be a consideration, if you can negotiate the price down. If I wanted to buy one for myself and not purchased as a collectors item, would not concern myself with the finish in poor condition. It would get parkerized, furniture cleaned up and made in to a reliable shooter. Like most retired surplus, there are tons of these rifles around. Unfortunately none have been very affordable compared to other military choices.

Jim K · 12-10-2011, 11:45 AM

I am not sure if Fordtrucks is referring to the original M1903 or to the S-C M1903A3, but IMHO, $550 would be a bit high for that M1903A3. If the barrel is good, I would try to get it for $450 or at least split the difference.

Jim

12-09-2011, 01:55 PM	#1
jreed1980 Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 18	Springfield 1903 30-06 What is its value?? I am looking at a 1903 Springfield bolt action 30.06, wood in nice condition. Bomb proofed 9/30 SA. No marks on muzzle, strong rifling, slight pitting, chamber good. It looks like on the forend of the stock/on bottom there is some carvings..almost like someone was keeping track of something....what are those? The serial number is 1201601. The dealer is asking $895 for the rifle. Is it worth this? If not what should I try to offer. And if anyone can also add some history or additional info about this rifle, that would be great! And is this the model A3? And is this a world war 2 era firearm? And lastly are these safe to fire? Attached Images --> Last edited by jreed1980; 12-09-2011 at 01:56 PM..

12-09-2011, 08:03 PM	#2
Jim K Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 6,408	Re: Springfield 1903 30-06 What is its value?? That rifle is a Model 1903, not a Model 1903A3, and was made in 1920. At some point, probably during WWII, it was refinished by Parkerizing, and the stock replaced with a "scant" type WWII stock. Were it a 1920 rifle in original condtion, $900 would be a steal; as it is, and IMHO, it is worth around $400. That rifle is not a "low number"; assuming it checks out for headspace, etc., it should be perfectly safe to fire. The "carvings" might be inspection marks put on the stock when the rifle it was originally on was inspected at the Remington factory. Jim Last edited by Jim K; 12-09-2011 at 08:07 PM..

12-09-2011, 09:53 PM	#3
jreed1980 Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 18	Re: Springfield 1903 30-06 What is its value?? Thanks again Jim! I am glad to have your guidance on this rifle. I was almost ready to shell out some major $. Are the Smith-Corona guns worth anything? He has one in average shape marked 1942...and has a price of $550.00 on it. I would say it is about 20% less nice than the Springfield. Any thoughts on that one?

12-10-2011, 03:52 AM	#4
fordtrucksforever V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: East of DFW Posts: 230	Re: Springfield 1903 30-06 What is its value?? Be sure to check its not a third world used up left over that was imported back in the US. If the rifling is very good condition, and head spacing is close, may be a consideration, if you can negotiate the price down. If I wanted to buy one for myself and not purchased as a collectors item, would not concern myself with the finish in poor condition. It would get parkerized, furniture cleaned up and made in to a reliable shooter. Like most retired surplus, there are tons of these rifles around. Unfortunately none have been very affordable compared to other military choices. Last edited by fordtrucksforever; 12-10-2011 at 03:56 AM..

12-10-2011, 11:45 AM	#5
Jim K Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 6,408	Re: Springfield 1903 30-06 What is its value?? I am not sure if Fordtrucks is referring to the original M1903 or to the S-C M1903A3, but IMHO, $550 would be a bit high for that M1903A3. If the barrel is good, I would try to get it for $450 or at least split the difference. Jim