1903 Springfield low number receiver

[sam2002]

I got a low numbered RIA receiver ( receiver is circa 1905 . Barrel is from 1918 ) that has been sporterized . it looks to me like it has seen lots use . I have cleaned it up and would like to take it to the range and send a few down range . Any thoughts from any of you that may be familiar with this particular rifle ?

[dustoff31]

You might want to google or research "low serial number Springfields".

There were heat treatment issues with the receivers on those below a certain serial number. Most people consider them unsafe to fire. Some others shoot them anyway.

If you haven't read up on them, please do and make an informed decision.

Do as you will, but remember, you are playing "You Bet Your Face."

[SonofWWIIDI]

+1 on the research! I too have heard some stories on the heat treatment issues!

Better safe than sorry!

Good luck!

[Springfield45]

Not all low serial # 1903s wear unsafe. Some did kaboom. Most survived WWI and WWII. Half the problem was early low quality ammo. The other half was over heat treated receivers that were brittle. Combined it equalled Kaboom.

If yours survived WWI and got re-barreled only to be sporterized and no doubt bagged a few deer over the years I would say it has proved itself. But be warned, one modern high pressured round may be all it takes.

Go do the research. Make your own decision. Just know that if it does blow up no one told you to shoot it.

[smle-man]

Some of the receivers are very brittle and will crack or even shatter if dropped on a concrete floor. It may have held together this long because it has never experienced a base failure on a cartridge case. It isn't worth it.