03' Springfield Brain Tease

cdatdog · January 21, 2006, 11:20 AM

Okay;... I've got this Springfield 1903 not 03A3, ser# 1241396 with a SA barrel stamped 12-21. With a refinished "C" stock and no cartouches. The finish is black which makes me think it's a CMP rifle. When was this rifle really produced and what model is it really? 03', 03A1',03A3'.

deadin · January 23, 2006, 10:39 AM

Your serial number tracks to 1922, so the 12/21 barrel is probably original. However the C stock was introduced on the 1903A1 which started around 1929, so it's probably a restock. The lack of cartouches could be from the refinish.
As for the "black" finish. Is it paint, phosphate (parkerized) or what?
I don't know why this would be associated with the CMP. They don't normally "refinish" anything.

Dean

30Cal · January 23, 2006, 03:40 PM

Probably a Greek rifle (sold through the CMP).

Ty

deadin · January 23, 2006, 04:07 PM

The Greeks currently being sold are M1 Garands

Retired · February 11, 2006, 01:41 AM

Two years ago, I purchased a 1903 Springfield from CMP. The serial number and barrel markings are both from 1918, but it has a parkerized bolt. Judging from the stamps on the stock, I think it was a 1945 rebuild.

The bluing is so dark, it looks almost black. I'm assuming that was done during the arsenal rebuild.

January 21, 2006, 11:20 AM	#1
cdatdog Junior Member Join Date: January 15, 2006 Posts: 2	03' Springfield Brain Tease Okay;... I've got this Springfield 1903 not 03A3, ser# 1241396 with a SA barrel stamped 12-21. With a refinished "C" stock and no cartouches. The finish is black which makes me think it's a CMP rifle. When was this rifle really produced and what model is it really? 03', 03A1',03A3'. Last edited by cdatdog; January 21, 2006 at 09:24 PM.

January 23, 2006, 10:39 AM	#2
deadin Junior member Join Date: September 6, 2005 Location: Ocean Shores, WA Posts: 1,052	Your serial number tracks to 1922, so the 12/21 barrel is probably original. However the C stock was introduced on the 1903A1 which started around 1929, so it's probably a restock. The lack of cartouches could be from the refinish. As for the "black" finish. Is it paint, phosphate (parkerized) or what? I don't know why this would be associated with the CMP. They don't normally "refinish" anything. Dean

January 23, 2006, 03:40 PM	#3
30Cal Senior Member Join Date: December 3, 2002 Posts: 1,093	Probably a Greek rifle (sold through the CMP). Ty

January 23, 2006, 04:07 PM	#4
deadin Junior member Join Date: September 6, 2005 Location: Ocean Shores, WA Posts: 1,052	The Greeks currently being sold are M1 Garands

February 11, 2006, 01:41 AM	#5
Retired Member Join Date: January 27, 2006 Location: Northern California Posts: 68	Two years ago, I purchased a 1903 Springfield from CMP. The serial number and barrel markings are both from 1918, but it has a parkerized bolt. Judging from the stamps on the stock, I think it was a 1945 rebuild. The bluing is so dark, it looks almost black. I'm assuming that was done during the arsenal rebuild.