Early Springfield M 1903 rebuilt for WW2……..(F 1033) Sold

Fine 1903 Springfield  WW II  re-build

Built in the standard military specification of the early Model 1903 rifles but having undergone a legitimate rebuild for the Second World War effort.  The serial number of this example is 975360 which record indicate puts production in 1918.  The US military along with the Government of the same ran a rebuild program with anything that needed it or dropped back to be stored for later use.  Anything which needed replacing or refurbishing was attended to so when the rifles were needed again and drawn from stores they were immediately ready for use.  Consequently this rifle had a replacement stock and barrel fitted November 1942.

Chambered in the government .30-06 cartridge, with a 5-shot internal magazine and Mauser action.  These early rifles are diminutive in size considering the punch they pack in their calibre. They are smooth and easy to cycle resulting in a fairly rapid rate of fire.  They can be fed by striper-clip through guides in the rear action bridge.  Each clip holding five rounds.  The rifle will fire and feed from the magazine or the switch at the rear LHS of the action can be actuated to hinder the bolt from returning all the way to the rear; thereby stopping feed from the magazine.  The sides of the cut-off switch are marked clearly “ON” and “OFF”.  You have to regard this as an indicator to the condition of the magazine cut-off device. Gas escape holes to receiver ring.

To the rear of the bolt is a flag safety which reads “READY” and “SAFE” – meaning self explanatory.  Overall the rifle measures 43.1/4″ in length.  The round barrel is a nominal 24″ long and the trigger Pull to centre is 12.5/8.”  The receiver ring is marked as follows; – ” U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / ARMOURY / MODEL 1903 / 975360″.  The WW II stock is the later  type without finger groves.  The stock is however marked within the cut-off relief with a single letter “J.”  It has twin cross bolts for reinforcement and a hand guard over the barrel. Correct steel milled furniture with butt-plate and trap for cleaning equipment.  The rear sight is still the original fitment with the maximum range aiming point 2850 yards.  Windage is applied by the larger of the two flat-side knobs on the RHS of the ladder.  Front sight is guarded by sprung steel protector.  The front band has the bayonet fitting under stamped “H” for hardened.  Twin sling swivels with steel milled trigger guard and magazine floor plate.

This is a very good original 1918 rifle which was brought back into service for the Second World War.  The barrel is marked on the top, behind the front sight with the date of the new barrel and reads; “S.A. / flaming bomb / 11 – 42.” The benefit of this later fitment is of course the condition of the bore, which is exceptionally good.  The barrel is a Springfield produced, 4-grove bore and looks clean and complete to the eye.  Proofed in Germany on 2005.  A highly usable and collectible rifle which is becoming almost impossible to sensibly buy from their home country.  Very much worth a further look for any military rifle collector or shooter.

Stock No F 1033

£ 1950. (Sold)

Comments Off on Early Springfield M 1903 rebuilt for WW2……..(F 1033) Sold