Springfield 1903 - WW1 vintage

[rsm2ndbtnlf]

Gentlemen,

I have seen a Springfield '03' of WW1 vintage which I rather fancy purchasing. The rifle is fair condition considering its 'been there', and its selling price is a little lower than average for age, type, and condition. However, I'm a little put off by a comment that the seller has attached to his selling description = "I would not recommend shooting this rifle as it is below serial: 800,000."

I've seen many Springfields that are in much better condition, near pristine some of them, but with much lower serial numbers, yet no mention is given of any none shooting recommendation.

So, is the seller panicing for some reason, or is there something about the serial number that is significant?

Seph

[1886lebel]

Here is a link to this question:
Some Observations On The Failure of U.S. Model 1903 Rifle Receivers
m1903.com/03rcvrfail/
Patrick

[rsm2ndbtnlf]

Patrick.. Thank You!

Thats a very interesting article, and certainly answers the questions I had in mind to raise. I'll certainly be looking a lot closer at the arsonel and serial numbers in the future.

I would also recommend that everyone who intends to purchase for shooting, or already has a Springfield... should read this article and take note of the salient points.

Safety first gentlemen!

Seph

[oskar2ndchev]

Very interesting artical. I've found that most of the 1903s I've seen for sale have serial numbers that are well out of the "dangerous zone" and the few that were, were selling for very high prices (at least by reenactor standards).

Food for thought.

[hawkhero]

It should be noted that those receivers are ok for blank firing since there is little pressure on the receiver. CMP actually had a run of the low numbered receivers not too long ago for short change. They went very fast as they are collectibles and to own a rifle that may have been on the Mexican border is becoming more appealing for gun-buffs.

Cheers.