I noticed that many of the Petrov Springfield 03 custom rifles in the recent Amoskeag auction were built on the older "low number" actions, which raised a few questions:
1. Did Mr. Petrov regularly shoot these rifles with factory ammunition, or were they primarily collector's item due to their history, stock-maker, or barrel-maker?
2. Did the famous makers such as G&H, Sedgley, Neidner, etc. re-heat treat these older 1903 actions when converting them to custom rifles?
3. Did the "low number" 1903 actions significantly impact the auction prices?
Since Michael is not here to offer his opinion, I'll just post his response to a previous poster who asked a similar question. His response to the heat treat issue is one of my all time favorite Michael Quotes.
posted 14 February 2008 23:45 Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by mrlexma:
I see from the serial number that it's a "low number" RIA rifle - below SN 285,507. I know that these rifles are hard to find, but wouldn't you prefer a higher number for safety reasons?
"Wundhammer IMO was one of the greatest American custom gunmakers of his day. He made over two-hundred custom sporters, today I know where nine are. This restoration project needs to be done right so the rifle that this stock will take needs the right type and vintage rifle. The one Safety Issue I have is that if I do this wrong the heat in hell might affect my safety.
Each person should educate themselves about the low-number 1903 Springfields and decide for themselves if they should shoot or not shoot. When I get a 1903 sporter I check the headspace, use modern brass and load to factory pressures, the serial number of the rifle is not a factor." Michael Petrov.
Hope that helps,
John Holliger