[Steve Peters]

I have a 1903 in excellent condition I am trying to find any kind of info on it . It has a rear peep site on the end of the bolt, I have never seen before on a 1903. It is a springfield armory and is dated 06/08 on the barrel. I can give more info if needed.

 

[Rick the Librarian]

What's the serial number (you can just fill in some X's for the last 3-4 numbers. Manufacturer, which should be with the s/n. Handling grooves in the stock? Looks like in military condition, or cut down for a sporter?

 

[Steve Peters]

The manufacturer is Springfield, the weapon is in mil spec. Has not been cut down for sporter. serial # 349xxx. There is handling grooves in the stock just under the rear sights. Dont all the 1903"s have those grooves in the stock?

 

[Rick the Librarian]

Looks like you have an original barrel/receiver group, which is good. To answer your question, no, many Springfields don't have fingergroove stocks. Many were either made or rebuilt during WWII and replacement stocks did not have fingergrooves. If your stock is original to the rifle (see question in next paragraph), you might have a valuable firearm.

Look on the left side of your rifle above the triggerguard - any letters there (Like WLS, for example)? The letters (depending on what is there) are initials of the person who inspected the rifle before final delivery and if they are present and are correct for the receiver date, also increase the value of the rifle.

 

[Steve Peters]

Thanks, the letters are BHM. How can you tell if they are the correct for the reciever date? Thank you very much for all the help.If you have any more info please let me know. Also do you think anyone would be interested in buying this one?If so please let me know. Thanks again,
Steve

 

[Rick the Librarian]

"BHM" is a cartouche of an unknown inspector at Springfield from 1909-14, so it sounds like the stock is a match, too. Although not safe to shoot, it sounds like you have a very desirable rifle for a collector, if all the parts are there.

Can you post pictures?

 

[Steve Peters]

Hello and thanks again. Yes I can all I have to do is figure out how to ! Have you ever seen a rear peep site attached to the end of the bolt? Is there someone who can assist me in sending the pictures?
Thanks very much
Steve

 

[Rick the Librarian]

I'm a little new at this, too, but if you want to try emailing me the pictures, I can try posting them.

[email protected]

Peep sight at the end of the bolt? Now, you have me puzzled!

 

[Steve Peters]

This thing is very unusual, I would like to sell it if anybody is interested...

 

[Rick the Librarian]

Steve, did you try posting on the CSP '03 forum? (www.jouster.com)

 

[Steve Peters]

Did tonite Thanks.. I sure wish I knew what this thing is worth...If you have an idea please let me now thanks again, Steve

 

[Rick the Librarian]

Steve,

I saw your ad on the CSP Shopper - did you try to post on the CSP '03 forum? Might be good to find out what that strange sight is before you sell or set a price.

 

[Steve Peters]

Wow i thinki really messed up! I posted the rifle on there and at least 35 people have made offers. I priced the rifle for 800.00 and had 6 of the people call me after i had promised it to someone. a gentleman called and explained the rear site to me. he said it was a lyman a1 site and they only put them on a very few.. he had done a research on them and has been looking for one for many years. He said they were very popular and very valuable. around 2000.00 to 2500.00 .. another man called tonite and told me the exact same thing. guess he will be getting a good deal for 800.00. Only if i hadnt already promised it he would more than happy to buy it for 2300.00.. guess my word is more important..Thank you for all the help.Steve

 

[ltcboy]

Ill give you $60.00

 

[Steve Peters]

I guess your knowledge of weapons go's along with your name boy..LITTLE ...

 

[Rick the Librarian]

You must have posted on the CSP GUN SHOPPER, not the 1903 forum, right?

I did the same thing -on a smaller scale - I offered a couple of M1905 16" bayonet scabbards for $25 and $15 - provokled a vertitable feeding frenzy! Later, I learned that they were probably worth $75-100! Ugh!

 

[ltcboy]

I was just razzin you-- Simmer Down Francis

 

[Steve Peters]

No it was the 1903 forum.. I am gettig calls and e-mails like crazy.. I never thought it would be like this! A man just e-mailed and ask me thirteen questions and all of them was what he was looking for .. didnt think i had ssuch a valuable piece..people are wanting to send money.. If i could only get a few more like this...Steve