Thoughts on my sporterized Springfield M1903?

[Slamfire]

If you think low number Springfields are safe, go buy one and shoot it.

I am of the opinion that 99.99999% of those arguing that low number Springfields are safe, were always safe, will always be safe to shoot, don't have a low number Springfield, and therefore don't practice what they preach.

For those who do have a low number Springfield, shoot them regularly, good for you. At least you practice your convictions.

[jersurf101]

I do not have a low number Springfield. I have two O3A3's and a MK1. That is a pretty sporter and it sounds like it shoots great. MY O3A3'S are tack drivers a pretty though I rarely shoot them anymore.

I looked into a National ordinance once that had been rebarreled to .35 Whelen. I just could not do it with the suspect cast receiver. I have seen a Karl Gustav 6.5 Sweden let go at the receiver. Not pretty at all. The old man shooting it was lucky and had some minor cuts and burns. He m gave me the hand loads he blew the gun with. Powder charges were fine. He had crimped all those rounds so much that I could barely pull them with a Hornady collet puller.

Have fun and be safe out there.

[RC20]

Sadly the closest I have been able to come is a heat treated issue bolt.

If I find one like the OP and I will!

[Wrought]

That is a beauty but its not exactly complete, though the blueing is admirable. I have one that was my grandfathers when he was in the service during the korean war. All parts are original except he replaced the stock with one he made from maple. It was made at the RIA plant in 1910, was issued during ww1 and ww2 .. It shoots quite well but i dont like putting full power loads through it as its 117 years old and saw a lot of abuse training recruits too. The bolt handle is curled just like yours and it has the wide blade type front sightpost. I bought a used savage 116 06 this year so i could finally let the old gal rest.

[Hawg]

That is a beauty but its not exactly complete

It looks pretty complete to me, at least I don't see anything missing unless you're referring to all that military hardware. I like it. If it was mine I'd shoot it. Yeah it's a risk but a small one. A lot less of a risk than using a cell phone while driving. Come to think of it it's less of a risk than driving period.

[Wrought]

I meant the hardware isnt all original. To me it seemed like the barrel was replaced and the shroud that goes over the exterior of the throat/ breech area isnt there but i could be mistaken ill have to look again

[rodfac]

If you're at all concerned about the condition of your '03's receiver, check the the forward receiver guard screw seat (where the forward tang screw is threaded into the receiver). On low numbered '03's with brittle receivers, that seat portion of the receiver is sometimes cracked or may even have a piece broken out. This tip is from Capt. E.C. Crossman's book about the 1903 Sprinfield, "Book of the Springfield".

I had a low numbered Rock Island for many years that I shot with handloads and cast bullets to give it a greater safety margin. It was a superbly accurate rifle and would easily hold the x-ring on the 200 yd rapid fire target. The barrel, BTW, was original to the receiver...but all the metal parts were a dark green/black parkerize finish, indicating that it had been refinished probably during WWll.

You've got a beautiful Springfield sporter...be careful and don't push the pressure limits with it...JMHA. Rod