Offered for sale is a vintage sporterized U.S. Springfield Armory Model 1903 chambered in .30-06 Springfield. Originally manufactured as a military service rifle, this piece was professionally converted into a classic American hunting rifle decades ago. It features a beautifully maintained sporter stock and a drilled-and-tapped receiver equipped with optic rails, making it ready to accept modern glass.
Specifications:
Manufacturer: U.S. Springfield Armory
Model: 1903 (Sporterized)
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action: Bolt-Action
Barrel Length: 24 inches (Sporter contour)
Serial Number: 10488
Features & Configuration:
Optics & Mounting: The receiver has been drilled and tapped with scope rails currently installed.
Safety & Bolt: Features the classic Springfield knurled cocking piece. The original military flag safety has been replaced with an aftermarket low-swing paddle safety on the right side of the bolt shroud to provide adequate clearance for a mounted scope.
Controls: The original left-side magazine cutoff switch remains fully functional.
Furniture: Fitted with a classic hardwood sporter stock featuring clean, traditional lines.
Condition Report:
Wood Furniture: The stock is in excellent condition, showing only minor, superficial handling marks with no major gouges or cracks.
Metal Finish: The receiver is clean. The barrel exhibits several noticeable blemishes and finish wear along the top profile, consistent with standard field use and carrying through the brush.
Mechanics: The bolt cycles smoothly and the trigger breaks cleanly.
CRITICAL SAFETY DISCLAIMER: LOW-NUMBER RECEIVER
This specific rifle features a serial number of 10488, classifying it as a "Low-Number" Springfield 1903. Springfield Armory rifles with serial numbers below 800,000 were manufactured using a single heat-treatment process that resulted in a case-hardened exterior but a severely brittle internal steel core. Professional gunsmiths and military historians widely consider low-number receivers unsafe to fire, particularly with modern, high-pressure .30-06 ammunition, due to the risk of catastrophic receiver failure.
This firearm is being sold explicitly as a COLLECTOR'S ITEM, DISPLAY PIECE, or WALL HANGER. Shepard Arms assumes no liability for injury or damages resulting from the firing of this rifle. By purchasing this firearm, the buyer acknowledges the historical metallurgical defects of low-number 1903 receivers and accepts full responsibility.
Shepard Arms Listing Integrity Notice:
This firearm has been described accurately and in good faith based on our inspection and experience. Minor variations in terminology or interpretation may exist, particularly with vintage firearms.
We are happy to assist serious buyers; however, we do not engage in debates over minor terminology or subjective interpretations. Our listings are intended for informed buyers who value a straightforward, professional purchasing experience. Refer to all photos for additional context of firearm condition. We make a concerted effort to include as many angles as possible.
