1903 Springfield

[Gil Martin]

I was in a gun shop today and saw a nice 1903 high number Springfield. The exterior was NRA excellent and the hang tag was $850.00. Unforunately the bore was black probably due to the use of corrosive ammo and inadequate cleaning. The rifle is still sitting in the used gun rack. What a shame. All the best...
Gil

[Adam Helmer]

Gil,

How many spare 1903 barrels do you have? Haggle and resurrect that 1903.

Adam

[Gil Martin]

Here is an update. The first hang tag price was $1,400.00 and the rifle sat on the used gun rack. The hang tag was changed to $850.00 and still no takers. I haggled with the gun shop and the price went down to $699.00. I pick it up this weekend. All the best...
Gil

[gumpokc]

Nice find Gil

I know you knwo what your doing, but you might try some navel jelly on that bore, see if it's just dirty, or ruined.

[Adam Helmer]

Gil,

I agree with gumpokc; clean the bore and see if it is in fact ruined. I bought a mint, matching No4 Mk1 for $15.00 when I was in college. The seller advised me to use valve grinding compound to clean out the dark bore.

I took the rifle home and scrubbed it out with hot, soapy water in a coffee can and used a new brush on the bore. It came out with a mirror-like shine after the crud was removed. I hope for the best.

Adam

[Gil Martin]

I passed on the 1903 Springfield at one shop mentioned above. While visiting another gun shop today, I saw a mint high number Rock Island that was arsenal reconditioned in WWII for $500.00. The barrel date is 8-44. It came home with me. All the best...
Gil

[gumpokc]

oooo nice.....did I mention I am available for adoption???? :P