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Model 1903 worth
justAnovice
Member Posts: 2 ✭
Hey new here, not much of a shooter so I'm looking for some input. My dad passed this year and he had told me that I should look at selling his old 1903 he bought in the 50s while he was in the AF in California. Attaching a couple pictures. Thanks for any input on value, history, etc. Have started doing a few searches and am learning the basics of this model... Appreciate it - Chris
The other two guns in the picture were family guns that I plan to keep. But if there's something interesting you see about either one I'd like to learn more about them. The 410 I've used and shot a couple rattlesnake with when I was a kid in Fla with my dad.
Comments
I notice that it’s a Rock Island Arsenal. There were some early 1903 from RIA that had more brittle receivers below a certain serial number, I can’t remember right off hand what that cut off number was. The one I had, had a serial number 397xxx and it was ok, they had started to use a different heat and metal process by then. That being said, if you were to use stand ammunition, military ammunition in it there shouldn’t be any problem.
If I recall correctly the cut off number for RI was 280,000. Upon research, I was a bit off. This from American Rifleman:
"Rock Island made double heat-treated and nickel steel receivers concurrently for a rather brief period of time. Some '03 receivers are dangerous due to improper forging. Be suspect of Springfields below serial No. 800,000 and Rock Islands below 285,507".Sep 24, 2021
Below serial number 285,507 are considered "low number" Rock Island 1903's. They are considered not safe to shoot. There is controversy about this. Your rifle has been restocked in WW II with a "scant" pistol grip stock. The going price for a reasonable condition 1903 in the mid-west area is $600 - 800 in my area. Your rifle is somewhat rusty and does not have the original stock which reduces the value in my opinion. Good luck.
Added: It is also possible your rifle was rebarreled during WW II.. The date is stamped behind the front sight.
Interesting thanks guys!
the top shotgun is a Winchester model 37. One of the best single shots ever made
The low-number RIA '03 is safe & fine to shoot with USGI M1 & M2 Ball ammunition only.
Avoid anything else & you'll both survive.