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Springfield Armory 1903 Serial Number Lookup: Tips and Resources for Collectors and Enthusiasts



Below is a list of serial numbers for the M1903 noting the year it was produced. All given serial numbers are approximate. These are numbered by calendar year.Note whether it was produced by Springfield Armory, Rock Island Arsenal, Remington Arms, or Smith Corona before looking at serial numbers.


Pyrometers were installed in December 1917 to accurately measure temperatures during the forging process. The change was made at approximately serial number 800,000 for rifles made at Springfield Armory and at serial number 285,507 at Rock Island Arsenal. Lower serial numbers are known as "low-number" M1903 rifles. Higher serial numbers are said to be "double-heat-treated".[15]




springfield armory 1903 serial number lookup




World War II saw new production of the Springfield at private manufacturers such as the Remington Arms and Smith-Corona Typewriter companies. Remington began production of the M1903 in September 1941, at serial number 3,000,000, using old tooling from the Rock Island Arsenal which had been in storage since 1919. The very early rifles are almost indistinguishable from 1919-made Rock Island rifles. As the already worn tooling began to wear beyond use Remington began seeking Army approval for a continuously increasing number of changes and simplifications to both speed up manufacture and improve performance. The milled parts on the Remington M1903 were gradually replaced with stamped parts until, at about serial number 3,330,000, the Army and Remington recognized that a new model name was appropriate. Other features of the M1903, such as high-grade walnut stocks with finger grooves, were replaced with less expensive but serviceable substitutes. Most milled parts made by Remington were marked with an "R".[23]


The M1903A4 was the U.S. Army's sniper rifle of choice during the Second World War. The M1903A4 was a variation of the M1903A3. The only difference between receivers was that the model and serial number on the receiver were split on M1903A4 to make room for the Redfield scope mount. The Redfield scope mount removed the rear peep sight that was standard on the M1903A3. The scope used on the M1903A4 was a Weaver Model 330 or 330C, which was a 2.75x telescopic sight. The receivers were tested by Remington Arms and those that were deemed best, meaning those closest to design specifications were selected to become M1903A4's. The barrels were also selected specifically to be added to the M1903A4 rifle only if they were within almost exact specifications for the design. The front sight on the barrel was never installed on the A4 barrels, however, the notch for it was still in place. .[22] Barrel specifications were, in general, unchanged between the M1903A3 and M1903A4, however, the War Department did start installing barrels with 2 groove rifling instead of 4 groove, despite the lack of clear changes from the 4 groove rifling that was the standard up until 1942.[31]


The US Army Military Police (MP) and the US Navy Shore Patrol also used M1903s and M1903A3s throughout the war. Various US allies and friendly irregular forces were also equipped with the weapon. The Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB), operating in the 5th Army in Italy was equipped with M1903 rifles. In August 1943, the Free French Forces of General Charles de Gaulle were re-equipped by the United States, primarily with M1903A3 Springfield and M1917 Enfield rifles. The M1903A3 became one of the primary rifles used by French forces until the end of the war, and was afterwards used in Indochina[34] and by local militia and security forces in French Algeria.[35] Large numbers of M1903 rifles were sent to China.[36]


Hi. It has been my understanding that the 03`s with thehigh 7 digit serial numbers were made during the 2nd WW before the M1 Garand was issued to the troops. They havebeen considered more valueable than the low 6 digit serial numbered because of the heat treating process of the reciever. The lower numbered recievers were case hardened and sometimes would fracture during heavy usage.Some one please correct me if I`m wrong.


I found a US Springfield Armory Model 1903serial # 1426647. can you tell me anything about it? it was hidden in my grandfather's house. it was in a fire, it did get burned some. but I am more interested in it's history. 2ff7e9595c


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