Springfield 1903 in .30-08? Anyone ever hear of these. Value?

[JadeFox]

Springfield 1903 in .30-08? Anyone ever hear of these? We have an opportunity to pick one of these up at a reasonable price. But how do we judge condition and value? What is a reasonable offer?

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[JadeFox]

Is the .30-08 same as .30-06?

 

[DirectDrive]

That must be a typo.
It's probably 30-06

If you could post some pics, the members here could more easily comment on it.
At this point we don't know if it's been "sporterized" or if it's in original military condition or somewhere in between.

 

[JadeFox]

OK.... on closer examination of the little phone/text photo we received, it indeed says .30-06. It is in rough but older unmodified condition. Not "sporterized". I tried to move pictures over but unsuccessful so far. Will try to get pictures in by later today.

 

[jackrv]

Cartridge appears to be real:

30-08 REMINGTON MAGNUM

30.08 Remington

 

[solv3nt]

Cartridge appears to be real:

30-08 REMINGTON MAGNUM

30.08 Remington

Interesting, I'd never heard of it before.

 

[solv3nt]

The 1903 was originally based on the British 30.03, also known as the .30 cal from 1903. It was subsequently already in 1906, also known as the 30.06, or .30 cal from 1906.

The early serial 1903 receivers supposedly have poor heat treating and are not recommended for shooting.

The original 30.06 ammo was a lower pressure than today's commercial, so new ammo with higher pressure is not recommended in the older rifles.

 

[JadeFox]

OK....here are the only two pictures I received. My old eyes aren't always the best. Any feed back will help. Thanks, folks.
I guess it sat in a unoccupied, unheated house for several years.

 

[solv3nt]

Looks like 30.06. I'm not familiar with 30.08, so I can't weigh in on a possible caliber change. One thing to look out for in the old milsurp rifles is that they were converted to drill rifles by welding the a rod in the barrel or welding the magazine selector switch on the 1903/1903A3.

 

[JadeFox]

Wow! I will be looking for that!

 

[solv3nt]

Wow! I will be looking for that!

Look for finish discoloration by the selector switch or near the barrel threads.

 

[Mark W.]

WWII era 03-A3 as they are known the stock has been refinished. metal look good. Its value based on what I have seen recently would be between 800 and 1200.00 A lot will depend on the condition of that stock and the NAT ORD stamp and its meaning.

This would not be a rifle to worry about receiver heat treating as those in the Springfield Armoy made ones are below serial number 800,000 And this isn't even the same model rifle.

 

[solv3nt]

WWII era 03-A3 as they are known the stock has been refinished. metal look good. Its value based on what I have seen recently would be between 800 and 1200.00 A lot will depend on the condition of that stock and the NAT ORD stamp and its meaning.

This would not be a rifle to worry about receiver heat treating as those in the Springfield Armoy made ones are below serial number 800,000 And this isn't even the same model rifle.

Ha! I wasn't even paying attention. You're right, that's most definitely an 03A3.

I sold a pristine one a few years back for around $900 if I recall.

 

[Capn Jack]

A nice looking piece of history.

 

[solv3nt]

If you have a headspace gauge, use that. Another easy check is the bullet check, flip the bullet upside down and drop it into the end of the barrel. If it goes down to the casing, it's completely shot out.

 

[DirectDrive]

 

[DirectDrive]

If you search on "NATL ORD 1903-A3" there are some unsavory opinions to be found.
Sounds like they were "parts guns" using an investment cast NO receiver of questionable durability.
If true, I would walk away from this unless I wanted a non-shooter display piece for a dirt-cheap price.

National Ordinance 1903a3 advice needed

www.gunboards.com

 

[JuglansRegia]

It is made from USGI parts assembled onto a commercially made cast receiver

 

[solv3nt]

You should be able to get a pristine A3 for under $1k.

 

[nehalemguy]

Springfield 1903 in .30-08? Anyone ever hear of these? We have an opportunity to pick one of these up at a reasonable price. But how do we judge condition and value? What is a reasonable offer?

How much is a "reasonable" price?

At best its a parts gun IMO.

-E-