Value of my 1903?

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Nachoninja

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Hoping you guys can help me out with a question regarding the value of a 1903. It's a Rock Island Arsenal serial # 299,### which puts the production date at 1918 but after the switch to improved steel treatment (shouldn't be a grenade.) The outside of the receiver has some pitting as can be seen, but the wood is quite nice still and the barrel has lots of rifling. It has also been counterbored (I think that's the term?) at the end of the barrel. I've attached some pictures, basically just wondering approximately what it would be worth. Contemplating selling it but haven't made up my mind quite yet.

Thanks

1903-3.jpg

1903-2.jpg

1903-4.jpg


1903-5.jpg

1903.jpg
 
As with any MILSURP, value depends on originality and condition. Some of the pics are out of focus, but here are some initial comments and questions:

1. Receiver is in the double heat treated carbon steel "safe" range. Pitting looks quite bad on the exterior, at least in the 3rd pic, which detracts from value. Any pitting below the stock line or interior of the receiver? A more focussed/sharper pic would be helpful.

2. Stock is the WW2 replacement "scant grip" style with an 03A3 stamped lower band/swivel. Is the stock cracked or split, especially behind the upper tang of the action? Any stamps/cartouches on the stock?

3. What are the markings on the barrel behind the front sight? The barrel has already been counterbored to correct poor accuracy due to a worn muzzle. Any pitting in the bore or on the exterior of the barrel? Throat/bore erosion is a concern which cannot be determined w/o the appropriate erosion gauge. M1903 Barrels are very tough to find in Canada. 03A3 barrels are more available and can be installed, but there can be issues with this concerning the installation of an M1903 rear sight sleeve and foresight block and the end result is a bit of a "frankenrifle".

4. What are the markings on the bolt?

5. Are the triggerguard and floorplate pitted? Replacements are expensive.
 
Doesn't seem to be any pitting anywhere but the outside of the receiver, although I haven't checked under the stock yet.

Barrel is dark but not pitted as far as I can tell.

Don't believe there are any cracks in the wood.

Don't have the rifle with me so I can't say what any of the markings are right now aside from the Rock Island Arsenal and serial #
 
No markings on the stock that I can see, no cracks. The markings on the barrel are AV, and a pineapple looking thing (flaming bomb) along with 11-18 which I'm assuming is the date. The bolt has a few small markings, a small R, a small 42, and some symbol that I can't describe, and I don't know if a picture could make it out.

Anyone have any idea what something like this should be listed for, even just an estimate?
 
$800!?! Are you serious?

Pitted like that and counter-bored, which is NOT typical of Springfield rifles, along with a scant stock sanded so badly the bottom metal protrudes by a centimeter...

Meh... $300 max.
 
One in top condition incl no pitting inside or out, good stock (no cracks/major gouges/not overly sanded), intact metal finish, and sound, bore (minimal erosion/shiney/no pits/good crown)should fetch $800. You can start subtracting from there to the extent that any of these things are lacking.

In the late '80s/early 90's a lot of these came in from China and were being flogged by Century Arms. They were beat to perdition. I bought a couple as parts rifles and used one Remington action, which had pitting below the stock line, as the basis for a nice sporter with a new 03A3 barrel. It has gotten me some nice deer.

The barrel on this rifle is an Avis barrel used as a replacement in the post WW1 period. The bolt is made by Remington.
 
Claven2 said:
$800!?! Are you serious?

Pitted like that and counter-bored, which is NOT typical of Springfield rifles, along with a scant stock sanded so badly the bottom metal protrudes by a centimeter...

Meh... $300 max.
Click to expand...

Have to agree. It is basically the sum of usable parts...receiver, bolt, trigger plate/magazine, barrel bands/sling swivels and butt-plate.
Oh good grief...guys hate to hear that kind of an assessment!!!
I had a fellow cgn'er come un-glued when I told him his Krag was exactly that...a sum of parts. I suppose over 30 years of active Springfield Armory collecting and studying doesn't count when asking for an honest assessment.

Thanks Claven2!!!!
 
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