Specific weapon history search by serial number

[Sabre2G]

I've searched around and have come up with nothing. I am trying to help a friend find the history of his specific Springfield Model 1903. Short of going to the local police department and assorted federal bureaus I have come up with nothing. I was wondering if you guys may know a place or person that may be of help. It was passed on to him by his grandfather and he is very eager to find out it's history if possible. He is an old friend so I plan on doing anything I can to help him. Thanks in advance.

A.G.

[ChickenMcFuggit]

Originally Posted by Sabre2G

I've searched around and have come up with nothing. I am trying to help a friend find the history of his specific Springfield Model 1903. Short of going to the local police department and assorted federal bureaus I have come up with nothing. I was wondering if you guys may know a place or person that may be of help. It was passed on to him by his grandfather and he is very eager to find out it's history if possible. He is an old friend so I plan on doing anything I can to help him. Thanks in advance.

A.G.

I was issued a Remmy 870 that looked old. We checked with Remmington using the serial numbers and stamps and they told me the exact month/year the two halves were made in. Just a thought if you haven't already done so. Call Springfield. Hope it helps.

[ChickenMcFuggit]

Sorry, just got done working out. Stupid with nitric and caffeine. I see what you were getting at. ATF has the capeability of tracking the paper, if you know any of them guys. If not, give them a call anyway, they may have a venue they use regularly. I'm sure they come across guns not in the system all the time.

[Pete]

Numbers and blocks of numbers

While Springfield Armory made the bulk of the rifles some were made by Remington & L.C. Smith & Corona Company. Those two were assigned blocks of numbers and didn't fill all the blocks.

You have the 1903, 1903 (modified), 1903A3 and 1903A4 - not to mention the stocks.

With what type and Serial Number it can be tracked down.

Try starting with this link

http://home.att.net/~vishooter/m1903.html

[The Reaper]

Originally Posted by ChickenMcFuggit

I was issued a Remmy 870 that looked old. We checked with Remmington using the serial numbers and stamps and they told me the exact month/year the two halves were made in. Just a thought if you haven't already done so. Call Springfield. Hope it helps.

Good luck calling the Springfield Armory which made that rifle.

TR

[kawika]

rock island arsenal also made some. I recently went through all this as I just acquired a 1903 from my father. Usually sometime around WWII almost all the 1903's went through a refurbishment(assuming you have a 1903 and not a 1903A4, A4 etc). You can tell my checking the stock and seeing if there are refurbishment markings there(http://m1903.com/rbmarks.htm). Also of course if the date on your barrel is different from the receiver this is another indictation. Anyways enough rambling. You can find way more information here.

http://m1903.com/

Now as far as like what conflict the specific rifle served in good luck. There really isn't anything like that available. Least not that I have seen. If you find something like that let me know because I'd love to find out myself.

Now if you want to find out the history of who has bought and sold it that's another hard issue although alot more doable. The easiest for you would be tracing if yourself IE finding out and calling each person who had the rifle , asking them who they bought it from until you get what your looking for. Otherwise this information is limited to law enforcement and you'd need to make a few friends/call in some favors. And that's even if they have the information. We don't have firearms registration(good thing) so theres really no central database of who has what.

So to sum up my blabbering, no there isn't some central database that contains information on who has owned this rifle.

[ChickenMcFuggit]

Originally Posted by The Reaper

Good luck calling the Springfield Armory which made that rifle.

TR

You're right.
(Removing head from 4th point of contact.)
( Dropping for 20.)

I swear for the life of me, I once had a book, (massive journal), written years ago that listed all, I mean all, Springfield rifles made.

I gave my old man an M1 Garand, .30-06, for Father's Day, new. Well not really new, serial number listed it as made in 1946, but in was wrapped in wax paper and cosmoline grease.

He cried. I said, "Why the tears? He said, "When I die, you'll just take it back".

"Good point Dad".

[kawika]

hmmm might be time to pull a homer simpson(bowling ball episode) and buy my dad some new firearms.

[Kit Carson]

Will this help?

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&s...=Google+Search

http://www.trfindley.com/pgsnstmps03.html

http://www.surplusrifle.com/reviews/ncp03a3.asp

[mojaveman]

Did you try M1903.com?

I've been working on a Springfield and found a great deal of information there.

Hope it helps.

If there is one single image that reminds me of my father it's this....

[Sabre2G]

Thanks everyone I didn't expect this much information to come out of the wood work. At the moment my friend believes it is a sport model due to it having a different stock than the normal issued rifles. If any of you feel like taking a further look for information here is the S/N 917393. All I know is it's an M1903 no clarification of whether or not it is an A3, A4, etc. I have never seen this weapon in person but, I trust my friend as a fairly avid gun enthusiast and hunter. Good hunting friends.

A.G.

[CL31542]

The National Park Service now "owns" Springfield Armory. You may want to check here: http://www.nps.gov/spar/index.htm .

Their serial number listing indicates your rifle has a "high number" receiver and was built in 1918.

[Utah Bob]

Sporterized? I think I'm going to be ill...