Any help with ID'ing a rifle is appreciated

HarlieJ1999 · February 28, 2018, 07:52 AM

I was given a rifle this past weekend - caliber is .284 with a mauser bolt action. Has an unusual on/off tab style safety. I cannot find any manufacturer name anywhere. Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

Doug Lee · February 28, 2018, 08:06 AM

Looks like a Springfield 1903, 1903-A3 rifle, look around/under the front scope mount base on the receiver, should be a designation there.

Tallest · February 28, 2018, 08:48 AM

Can you clarify what is meant by, "caliber is .284"? .284 Winchester? Some other 7mm bore?

Hawg · February 28, 2018, 09:14 AM

It's an 03. Dunno about it being an 03A3 tho.

taylorce1 · February 28, 2018, 12:58 PM

I don't know if it's an 03A3 action for sure, but the trigger guard is off an 03A3.

ammo.crafter · February 28, 2018, 01:01 PM

Looks like a sportorized Springfield, but the caliber you mention is not standard.

Are you certain of the caliber?

HarlieJ1999 · February 28, 2018, 01:55 PM

Caliber is absolutely a .284 Winchester. My father acquired the rifle while working as a gunsmith for Simmons in Olathe,KS back in the 1960’s. He shot many deer with it and still has a lot of .284 ammo that was given to me. He thought the manufacturer was Enfield but I didn’t think that was correct - hence my post. I appreciate the info so far - thank you.

RKG · February 28, 2018, 02:17 PM

And the "tab" referred to looks like the 03 or 03A3 magazine cutoff.

Paul B. · February 28, 2018, 02:36 PM

Looks like a 1903A3 to me based on the trigger guard.
Paul B.

Jim Watson · February 28, 2018, 03:14 PM

It has the 1903A3 stamped trigger guard, but the huge 1903A3 peep sight dovetail is not showing under the rear of the scope base, so I think it is a 1903 Springfield action. If you just must know, take the scope mount off and read the model designation on the receiver ring. I think the stock is a chopped 1903A1 C type.

T. O'Heir · February 28, 2018, 03:29 PM

Heavily sporterised Springfield 1903 for sure, but likely not a 1903-A3. What's the S/N?
The stock is in desperate need of oiling and the rest a good cleaning.

Hawg · February 28, 2018, 04:05 PM

This is a heavily sporterized 03A3, you can see the rear sight dovetail under the scope mount. The 1903 doesn't have it. From what I can see the OP's rifle is an 03.

HarlieJ1999 · February 28, 2018, 04:29 PM

Greatly appreciate everyone’s input. The SN is 108xxx - I think. Will double check that later tonight. It’s a project rifle, so the poor condition. Dad had it behind the seat of his truck for several years - barrel will probably need reblued. There’s several stocks on eBay that I might buy if the original doesn’t clean up the way that I want. It came with a vintage Leupold 4x but I’m going to put something more modern on it. Unfortunately the base heads have stripped so it may take some effort to get the base off. Thanks again!

Jim Watson · February 28, 2018, 05:41 PM

People will tell you not to shoot a "low number" Springfield.

HarlieJ1999 · February 28, 2018, 06:46 PM

He’s dropped many deer without any issue so it’s been ok so far. With modern ammo, what’s you opinion Jim - or any one else’s?

Hawg · February 28, 2018, 06:58 PM

My opinion is if it hasn't come apart by now with as much use as it seems to have had it's not going to but don't take my word for it.

Mobuck · February 28, 2018, 07:30 PM

"My opinion is if it hasn't come apart by now with as much use as it seems to have had it's not going to but don't take my word for it."

The next shot could be the one that puts you in the hospital. That's no as much opinion as experience.

HarlieJ1999 · February 28, 2018, 08:23 PM

My mistake - SN is 877xxx.

RC20 · February 28, 2018, 08:30 PM

HarlieJ:

Its a tough one. I suggest you take your time and look at the history and then ponder it.

The era clearly had heat treat issues with the receivers. More or less they were doing git by eye on the color of the receiver during the heat treat process.

Receivers were anywhere from brittle to ok.

Compounding it were ammunition issues from that era.

This is also what is called an unsupported case head gun. The bolt does not completely seal off the case head. Its not exclusive to the 1903, it is common for that era.

As a gas release on a shell failure causes it to vent backwards, that can result in a brittle receiver letting go as well as the gas vent issue (latter on they drilled what is known as a Hatcher hole to add to the gas vent ability)

Many rifles were kept and shot till worn out.

Some have been hit with a hammer and shattered (brittle)

It also was not common for rifles to blow up. Unknown if that meant the receiver could be brittle and still ok as long as kept in limits.

It was proof fired at (150%?) once. Obviously man times since.

While the Marines used the RIA 1903s, they never did turn theirs in until replaced with the M1 in WWII (very early)

Jim Watson · February 28, 2018, 09:59 PM

Springfield transition to "double heat treat" was about SN 800000, so you should be ok.

Hawg · February 28, 2018, 10:04 PM

Quote:

The next shot could be the one that puts you in the hospital. That's no as much opinion as experience.

I told him not to take my word for it but that's the same thing they say about damascus barrels. I've been shooting them for over 50 years. Haven't had one let go yet. But don't try it just because I do.

HarlieJ1999 · February 28, 2018, 10:28 PM

I've looked at a couple of replacement stocks on ebay and they have 2 bolt holds (lateral) and the rifle that I own has 1. Now that I know the maker, I've been doing a lot of research tonight and still haven't found one in .284 Winchester - the barrel does have a .284 stamp.

Hawg · February 28, 2018, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Now that I know the maker, I've been doing a lot of research tonight and still haven't found one in .284 Winchester - the barrel does have a .284 stamp.

The 1903 Springfield was a military rifle that only came in 30-06. Yours is a custom build and has been rebarreled.

HarlieJ1999 · February 28, 2018, 10:45 PM

Thanks!

Mobuck · March 1, 2018, 07:11 AM

Since it is most likely a custom barrel, finding a "drop in" stock may be unlikely. Also, if the bolt handle has been modified, this will be another "custom fit" area.

February 28, 2018, 08:06 AM	#2
Doug Lee Senior Member Join Date: November 25, 2013 Location: S.E. Virginia Posts: 107	Springfield rifle help Looks like a Springfield 1903, 1903-A3 rifle, look around/under the front scope mount base on the receiver, should be a designation there. Last edited by Doug Lee; February 28, 2018 at 08:48 AM. Reason: additional information

February 28, 2018, 08:48 AM	#3
Tallest Senior Member Join Date: January 23, 2016 Location: West of the Atlantic Posts: 418	Can you clarify what is meant by, "caliber is .284"? .284 Winchester? Some other 7mm bore? __________________ Matthew "All men are ignorant. The topics of our ignorance may vary, but the nature of the world is that no man may know everything." ~ R Jordan

February 28, 2018, 12:58 PM	#5
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,249	I don't know if it's an 03A3 action for sure, but the trigger guard is off an 03A3. __________________ NRA Life Member Last edited by taylorce1; February 28, 2018 at 11:45 PM.

February 28, 2018, 01:01 PM	#6
ammo.crafter Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2006 Location: The Keystone State Posts: 1,970	Huh? Looks like a sportorized Springfield, but the caliber you mention is not standard. Are you certain of the caliber? __________________ "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading". --Thomas Jefferson

February 28, 2018, 02:36 PM	#9
Paul B. Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 1999 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,802	Looks like a 1903A3 to me based on the trigger guard. Paul B. __________________ COMPROMISE IS NOT AN OPTION!

February 28, 2018, 09:14 AM	#4
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,190	It's an 03. Dunno about it being an 03A3 tho.

February 28, 2018, 01:55 PM	#7
HarlieJ1999 Member Join Date: February 27, 2018 Posts: 16	Caliber is absolutely a .284 Winchester. My father acquired the rifle while working as a gunsmith for Simmons in Olathe,KS back in the 1960’s. He shot many deer with it and still has a lot of .284 ammo that was given to me. He thought the manufacturer was Enfield but I didn’t think that was correct - hence my post. I appreciate the info so far - thank you.

February 28, 2018, 02:17 PM	#8
RKG Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2009 Location: Boston Posts: 562	And the "tab" referred to looks like the 03 or 03A3 magazine cutoff.

February 28, 2018, 03:14 PM	#10
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,543	It has the 1903A3 stamped trigger guard, but the huge 1903A3 peep sight dovetail is not showing under the rear of the scope base, so I think it is a 1903 Springfield action. If you just must know, take the scope mount off and read the model designation on the receiver ring. I think the stock is a chopped 1903A1 C type.

February 28, 2018, 03:29 PM	#11
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	Heavily sporterised Springfield 1903 for sure, but likely not a 1903-A3. What's the S/N? The stock is in desperate need of oiling and the rest a good cleaning. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

February 28, 2018, 04:05 PM	#12
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,190	This is a heavily sporterized 03A3, you can see the rear sight dovetail under the scope mount. The 1903 doesn't have it. From what I can see the OP's rifle is an 03.

February 28, 2018, 04:29 PM	#13
HarlieJ1999 Member Join Date: February 27, 2018 Posts: 16	Greatly appreciate everyone’s input. The SN is 108xxx - I think. Will double check that later tonight. It’s a project rifle, so the poor condition. Dad had it behind the seat of his truck for several years - barrel will probably need reblued. There’s several stocks on eBay that I might buy if the original doesn’t clean up the way that I want. It came with a vintage Leupold 4x but I’m going to put something more modern on it. Unfortunately the base heads have stripped so it may take some effort to get the base off. Thanks again!

February 28, 2018, 05:41 PM	#14
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,543	People will tell you not to shoot a "low number" Springfield.

February 28, 2018, 06:46 PM	#15
HarlieJ1999 Member Join Date: February 27, 2018 Posts: 16	He’s dropped many deer without any issue so it’s been ok so far. With modern ammo, what’s you opinion Jim - or any one else’s?

February 28, 2018, 06:58 PM	#16
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,190	My opinion is if it hasn't come apart by now with as much use as it seems to have had it's not going to but don't take my word for it.

February 28, 2018, 07:30 PM	#17
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	"My opinion is if it hasn't come apart by now with as much use as it seems to have had it's not going to but don't take my word for it." The next shot could be the one that puts you in the hospital. That's no as much opinion as experience.

February 28, 2018, 08:23 PM	#18
HarlieJ1999 Member Join Date: February 27, 2018 Posts: 16	My mistake - SN is 877xxx.

February 28, 2018, 08:30 PM	#19
RC20 Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 7,014	HarlieJ: Its a tough one. I suggest you take your time and look at the history and then ponder it. The era clearly had heat treat issues with the receivers. More or less they were doing git by eye on the color of the receiver during the heat treat process. Receivers were anywhere from brittle to ok. Compounding it were ammunition issues from that era. This is also what is called an unsupported case head gun. The bolt does not completely seal off the case head. Its not exclusive to the 1903, it is common for that era. As a gas release on a shell failure causes it to vent backwards, that can result in a brittle receiver letting go as well as the gas vent issue (latter on they drilled what is known as a Hatcher hole to add to the gas vent ability) Many rifles were kept and shot till worn out. Some have been hit with a hammer and shattered (brittle) It also was not common for rifles to blow up. Unknown if that meant the receiver could be brittle and still ok as long as kept in limits. It was proof fired at (150%?) once. Obviously man times since. While the Marines used the RIA 1903s, they never did turn theirs in until replaced with the M1 in WWII (very early) __________________ Science and Facts are True whether you believe it or not

February 28, 2018, 09:59 PM	#20
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,543	Springfield transition to "double heat treat" was about SN 800000, so you should be ok.

February 28, 2018, 10:28 PM	#22
HarlieJ1999 Member Join Date: February 27, 2018 Posts: 16	I've looked at a couple of replacement stocks on ebay and they have 2 bolt holds (lateral) and the rifle that I own has 1. Now that I know the maker, I've been doing a lot of research tonight and still haven't found one in .284 Winchester - the barrel does have a .284 stamp.

February 28, 2018, 10:45 PM	#24
HarlieJ1999 Member Join Date: February 27, 2018 Posts: 16	Thanks!

March 1, 2018, 07:11 AM	#25
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	Since it is most likely a custom barrel, finding a "drop in" stock may be unlikely. Also, if the bolt handle has been modified, this will be another "custom fit" area.