The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - 1903 Springfield Sporter, Researched, Unusual? Please Weigh In!

highpower3006 · April 13, 2017, 07:47 PM

The "P" on the barrel just means that it was proofed. The “C 2147” is the star gauge number. To my knowledge NO '03 Springfield sporters were sent out with a scope mounted on the rifle. Brophy's excellent book "The Springfield 1903 Rifles" does not mention any original arsenal built rifles and in thirty years of collecting I have never seen any documentation to suggest that any came that way. The standard rear sight was a Lyman No48.

"C 64109 2" is a drawing number and the "NS" on the firing pin means that it is made from nickel steel. Some sporters came with chrome vanadium strikers and triggers and they will be marked with a "CV".

Unfortunately, while it is a family heirloom, the actual value has taken a hit due to the scope being mounted. Nevertheless, they are great rifles. I had one several years ago and I wish I still had it.

April 13, 2017, 07:47 PM	#5
highpower3006 Senior Member Join Date: July 30, 2011 Location: Savannah TN Posts: 1,221	The "P" on the barrel just means that it was proofed. The “C 2147” is the star gauge number. To my knowledge NO '03 Springfield sporters were sent out with a scope mounted on the rifle. Brophy's excellent book "The Springfield 1903 Rifles" does not mention any original arsenal built rifles and in thirty years of collecting I have never seen any documentation to suggest that any came that way. The standard rear sight was a Lyman No48. "C 64109 2" is a drawing number and the "NS" on the firing pin means that it is made from nickel steel. Some sporters came with chrome vanadium strikers and triggers and they will be marked with a "CV". Unfortunately, while it is a family heirloom, the actual value has taken a hit due to the scope being mounted. Nevertheless, they are great rifles. I had one several years ago and I wish I still had it.