how do you put a realistic value on a 1903?

[rmckeon]

hi guys,

I'm looking at 3 different 1903's, all within 15 years of manufacture, all in decent condition, all made by Springfield Armory... basically, they're very similar.

I guess my question is, what am I looking about to assess value... and, what sort of price range is considered reasonable for these rifles.

any insight would be appreciated.

cheers ...

 

[junkman]

That's a good question. Not much information to go on. With pictures and a full description of each weapon, members may be able to give you a reasonable evaluation to assist you with your dilemma. As for value bottom end beater $100 to $1000's for sniper model. A little research also goes a long way when it comes to putting a value on anything you are buying or selling. Good luck.

 

[Coyote Ugly]

"realistic value" and "reasonable", are you trying to say "Market Price" or "Auction Price" in your first post? or 10 cents on the dollar?

 

[eos]

As with other US martial arms, there is more to value than just overall condition. Amount & condition of original parts correct to the manufacturer and serial number range rate highly in assessing a value. Most US martial arms went through factory and or field rebuild at least once and the arsenals/armourers involved did so without regard to the sensibilities of modern collectors, restoring arms to the then current standards and using parts from any and all makers of a given firearm.

 

[purple]

1903 Springfields

One would need to know the serial number to determine receiver heat treatment method,hence safety to shoot.After that, the criteria are originality of components and condition,especially bore,metal finish and wood.All things being equal, a high serial number Springfield Armory 1903 in very good+ overall condition should be valued in the $600-$850 range.Model 1903A3s made by Remington and Smith-Corona,as well as Remington and Rock Island made M1903s should fall in the same price range.Model 1903A4 Snipers,USMC snipers,and all-original rifles of any make and era would command a premium price.Bore condition tends to be a problem because of the corrosive primed US GI ammo used throughout the Springfield era.New M1903 military barrels are virtually unobtainable at any price.M1903A3 Remington barrels are still seen in the $150-$250 range.If you are considering a shooter, one would need to discount the price of a new barrel plus installation cost if the existing barrel is unservicable.Obviously this would not apply to the valuation of a scarce,collector grade rifle.

 

[rmckeon]

One would need to know the serial number to determine receiver heat treatment method,hence safety to shoot.

are there any online resources that I could use to check the serial #'s of the components (including the receiver) of the rifles I'm looking at?

cheers..

 

[purple]

1903 Springfields

The critical(and only) serial number on M1903s is the receiver s/n.Bolts and stocks are not serial numbered,except in the case of National Match rifles. Barrels are dated with month and year of manufacture immediately to the rear of the foresight.If you post the s/ns of the rifles as well as the barrel markings,I'm happy to assist.

 

[rmckeon]

The critical(and only) serial number on M1903s is the receiver s/n.Bolts and stocks are not serial numbered,except in the case of National Match rifles. Barrels are dated with month and year of manufacture immediately to the rear of the foresight.If you post the s/ns of the rifles as well as the barrel markings,I'm happy to assist.

okay, this makes perfect sense. thanks. I just PM'd you with the serial #, as I don't want to offend the owner in case he's a CGN'er