1903 Receiver Failures
Created on March 29th 2012
A few words on the above subject and by no means the basis of any sales contract, just my opinion so far………………….
The conventional wisdom is that 1903 receivers between a certain serial number, produced by both Springield and Rock Islan are deemed unsafe to shoot, as the heat treating process used at production was unsatisfactory.
The serial numbers in question are as follows;
Springfield numbers below 800,000 (see Canfield, “03 Springfield Service Rifle”)
Rock Island numbers below 285,500. (see Canfield, “03 Springfield Service Rifle”)
The subject is covered in his book p58.
This is also covered in an article published on the web thoroughly;
This is essential reading on the subject.
Finally, Sword & Musket contacted the London Proof House who test all our guns for proof and quizzed them on the subject,
They see no problems with the 1903; as long as it has been through proof, they state that there is as much chance of a failure with the1 903 as with any other rifle of its vintage. Checks are made before and after the test firing of high powered proofing cartridges and that it is highly unlikely that any re-loader could concoct a load more lethal than the proof house load to do damage to the said rifles.
Personally I think it is very interesting that the problem ceased when the WW1 ammunition ran out !
Remember all these failure have occurred abroad away from our proofing system and that the US does not have a proofing system in place as law.
Do your research and make your own mind up.
I happily shoot a London proofed Rock Island 1909 rifle with no problems,
Remember, there’s nothing that spreads like bad publicity ………………
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