Help Identify This Springfield 1903

[mike415stone]

Got this 1903 out of jail today and would appreciate input into what I have.

Serial number is 6509** which puts the production in 1917 (I believe)
Top of barrel is marked 5-44
Bottom front of barrel is marked with a P
Could not find any marking on the stock anyplace
No marking on the bolt

Keep in mind I have to stripped it down checking it

I have included a number of pictures

Last picture is of the sling with a 1918 date

I know there are some hard core collectors that can shed some more light about this super nice rifle.

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[SVT-40]

Standard WWII Rebuild. Looks nice. It has an 03-A3 magazine assembly. Typical mix of parts on re-built rifles.

[73Jim]

I thought below serial number 800000 had brittle receivers. Might want to double check that before you try to fire the rifle.

[mike415stone]

I thought below serial number 800000 had brittle receivers. Might want to double check that before you try to fire the rifle.

I have read about that but seems to be not an issue with standard surplus ammo, just need to stay away from hot loads

[mstlaurent]

I thought below serial number 800000 had brittle receivers. Might want to double check that before you try to fire the rifle.

You are correct. OP should read this page here from the CMP:

http://thecmp.org/cmp_sales/rifle_sales/m1903-m1903a3/

Especially the part about low-numbered receivers. I hope you did not pay a premium for that rifle expecting it to be a shooter.

[mike415stone]

Got it for a very good price, looks like it has been shot a lot in the past but barrel looks very good. Second 1903 for my collection so not sure I will shoot it or not.

[smle-man]

Straight bolt and low number receiver, neither recommended for use. Does it have a 2 groove A3 barrel? I wasn't aware that Remington was making 03 barrels that late in the war (1944) but then my knowledge is pretty limited.

The problem with low number receivers is with case failures. The receivers may shatter if the case head fails. The receivers have cracked when dropped on concrete.

Have all the low number receivers that were going to fail, failed by now or are the remaining rifles just waiting for a case failure to shatter?

[mstlaurent]

My understanding, from what I have read in the past, is that they could fail under any circumstances. Back in 1918 they were failing during normal use in the Army, which is what prompted the investigation at Springfield Armory in the first place.

I have a lot of rifles, but only two eyes and two hands. I know what I would do.

[smle-man]

My understanding, from what I have read in the past, is that they could fail under any circumstances. Back in 1918 they were failing during normal use in the Army, which is what prompted the investigation at Springfield Armory in the first place.

I have a lot of rifles, but only two eyes and two hands. I know what I would do.

They failed in part due to the horrendous standard of manufacture of .30 ball by non traditional ammunition producers. the cases had numerous head failures which can be pretty rough on a rifle that is in good shape.

the Marines continued to issue low number 03s throughout WW2 undoubtedly figuring that 'modern' (for the time) small arms ammunition wasn't going to experience case head failures.

The U.S. sent a lot of low number 03 rifles to the Free French who in turn issued them to Moroccan battalions.

But putting the history lesson aside, I agree that I treasure my eyes and hands more than the opportunity to shoot a low number 03.