[slabsides45]

I posted an ad for a bow for sale on another forum, and had a guy want to trade me a rifle for the bow. The rifle is a sporterized Springfield 1903 with a Timney trigger and Simmons Prosport scope. Anyone familiar enough with these to tell me what they're worth? Asking $400 for the bow, so I'm looking for at least that value.

 

[Rbelote]

It really depends on the work, and if its a custom stock. I would say it could be in the 300-1200 dollar range. depending

 

[slabsides45]

Thanks man, beginning to think I'd posted on a locked forum... Anyone else got any input?

One other tidbit, I do know that it was made after whatever serial number date that says it'll withstand modern loads. Past that, no idea.

 

[slabsides45]

Here's what the seller told me:

The rifle was made at Rock Island Armory and the serial number is 400XXX. Any rifle with serial numbers from Rock Island Armory above 256000 had double heat treated recievers and are safe to fire modern 30-06 ammo. I recently installed a Timney 3 lb. trigger and the scope is a Simmons Prosport 4-12x40mm.

Pics:

 

[msredneck]

Looks pretty good....I'd trade em...but I think I'd still shoot surplus ammo in it...

That reminds me...I got a compound "stick and string" I need to unload :thinking:

 

[slabsides45]

Why surplus ammo, 'Neck?

 

[slabsides45]

Looks like (from what I can find out) this one is a M1903A3 and was made by Rock Island in 1942, and was made from nickel steel-whatever that means...

 

[captain-03]

Let me check my research material for ya ... be back later today or tomorrow ..

 

[captain-03]

A Rock Island in that serial no. range is considered a HIGH number & therefore safe to shoot ( as long as the weapon is in sound mechanical condition). SA under 800,000 & RI under 285,000 are low numbers.

Should not have a problem shooting commercial loads through it .. as long as it is in sound mechanical condition.

 

[PWB]

The rifle looks good but being a mil-surplus weapon I would want to examine the bore for pitting or excessive wear.

 

[swede62]

I think the values would be close. The rifle would be worth more in original Military configuration though. Now what I haven't seen mentioned is that didn't the NRA contract some 03 sporters. They would be worth a little more I believe.
Captain or Doug Chime on that one?

 

[9point]

The Simmons scope is about $75, the Timney is about $50(for the base trigger on a Springfield), and the scope mounts are about $25'ish. -- just to give you some breakdown....I'm not sure what a stock would cost....Just as PWB said,.. check the bore... And, if it's OK, "personally", I would trade and use factory ammo..... That's just my $.02....

 

[slabsides45]

Made the trade, but mainly because I figure there's a more broad audience with a rifle than the bow. The rifle has a Duracoat finish on it, and I've found out it's a RIA/SA hybrid. Interesting history:

RIA got out of the '03 rifle business in the '20's, but had several thousand (around 50K) receivers left over. They sent the receivers to Springfield Armory, and Springfield finished the rifles out and used them. All of the receivers were nickel steel, so were safe to shoot. Most (as in this case) were already stamped Rock Island Armory and had serial numbers that went up into the low 400,000's. Springfield put their own barrels on these rifles, and they were issued.

Thanks for all your help!

I'm still considering selling it at $400, if anyone is interested.