doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Classic & Custom Single Barreled Sporting Rifles @ doublegunshop.com Help valuing this 1903?

Gentlemen, I need to sell this rifle from my father's estate and want a fair price for my mother's benefit. Has a Williams sight with 2 apertures. Serial No. 3,xxx,xxx. I am thinking $500. Am I in the ballpark? Thank you, Kurt

I watch a lot of auctions on gunbroker, I suspect that it would
sell there in the 200-250 range.

First of all, our condolences on the loss of your Father.

As for the rifle, I share PhysDoc's assessment. In the current market there is not much demand for open-sighted Springfield 1903 sporters, unless it:

1) Is particularly well executed with outstanding design and craftsmanship;
2) Has some historically interesting features or significance;
3) Contains some especially rare or desirable vintage parts;
4) Could be readily restored to original condition.

Unfortunately this example doesn't meet any of those criteria, so falls at the low end of the price spectrum.

Best of luck to you and your family,

Peconga in Boise, Idaho

Looks like a candidate for some careful remodeling if the inletting is good. The stock could be reshaped and new bottom metal added.

Whose buttplate is that? It may give you a clue to the source of the stock. I'm guessing Fajen or Bishop if the buttplate is marked. It is a nice piece of wood, with a durable finish. Still under $400 since it is not a 1903.

Its not worth very much. You might want to buy it from your mother so you have a remembrance of your father.

I agree. Looks to be an 03A3.

Ben, is it a Remington, or a Smith Corona?

Don, It is a Remington. Your post also answered my question posed to eightbore on his meaning that it is not a 1903. I was not considering the A3 as differnt. I think I will offer it for $300 and see where it ends up. My father owned many guns and I have several that he used extensively over the years that I will keep. Several must go and this one seemed very nice but not of the classic style Griffin and Howe and I wanted an assessment to get my mother the best price. I thank all of you for your help! Kurt

What about that buttplate? Does it have a name on it? You could post a picture of the bottom of the gun and maybe sell it right here. Dave Weber, our webmaster, requests ten bucks to sell a gun.

This would made a good project rifle. Especially in the stock area. It needs a lot of wood removed and reshaped, and it needs a good checkering pattern. New pistol grip and new butt treatment.
The metal could be left as is.