Low Number Springfields

[Gil Martin]

I was in a gun shop today and saw a very nice 1903 Springfield made at Rock Island Arsenal during WWI that was full military and had a low serial number. I have a Rock Island high number that has been sporterized and wanted a military specimen for the collection. The prices keep going up on all 1903s. Just wish it was a high number. All the best...
Gil

[06shooter]

Well, It would make a nice wall decoration.

[Gil Martin]

Yes, they are not making any more 1903 Springfields. All the best...
Gil

[gumpokc]

Heyo Gil, whats the primary difference between the low numbers, and high numbers on the '03? Besides the usual "low comes first"

At least as far as collecting them or buying them is concerned?

I'm not exactly sure what the significence is myself, and I am sure there are others who may simply watch this forum who might learn something they may need later if they run across one.

[Dan Morris]

Gil, if the price is right and you are not going to shoot it, the low number should be good on the wall. Too bad the low ones are unsafe to fire due to inferior steel!
Dan

[Adam Helmer]

gumpokc,

The difference between high and low numbers: A few M1903 receiver failures were noted pre-WWI and the Army Ordnance Board conducted an investigation. The result was "double heat treatment" of receivers beginning about 287,000 for Rock Island and about 800,000 for Springfield Arsenals. These "High Number" receivers stood up to the military ammo and later both arsenals included nickel-steel receivers into the double heat treatment process. The M1903-A3 receivers of WWII were both nickel steel and double heat treatment process.

Adam

[Gil Martin]

gumpokc,

The answer to your question is best explained by Smith and Smith. I have quoted from their classic reference work, "The Book of Rifles".

According to Smith and Smith in "The Book of Rifles", Springfield receivers below 800,000 "...were made of Springfield Armory class C steel. These are commonly considered 'brittle' receivers. They should not be used with modern or stepped-up loads. Receivers between 800,000 and 1,275,767 serial numbers are Springfield Armory class C steel which were specially heat treated by improved methods. These are not as desirable as the later numbers, though far superior to the earliest manufacture. All receivers between serial number 1,275,767 to 3,000,000 are made of nickel steel WD 2340 and represent the most advanced type of receiver designed..." The authors further state ..."Springfield receivers made at Rock Island Arsenal between serial No. 1 to Serial No. 285,507 were made of Springfield Armory class C steel. From No. 285,507 to 519,921 were made of Springfield Armory class C steel with improved treatment. Receivers over serial No. 319,921 were made of both class C steel and hot rolled nickel steel WD 35NS..."

All the best...
Gil

[gumpokc]

Thanks for the answers Gil, and Adam.

This way not only do i get to learn something new, but others who may just lurk here, might see some good info that they will remember sometime when they need it