1903

[Rummer]

I found a 1903 Springfield that looked to be in good shape.

The rifling appeared to be in really good shape.  The guy in the shop said he thought it was a DCM rifle.  I can't remember the Armory or the serial number.

The price was $650, is this a good price?

Where do I find out what "low numbers" are so I can avoid a bad one?

Thanks
Rummer

[CAV Trooper]

$650 sounds about right if it's in reasonably good shape.

As to serial numbers to avoid if you want to shoot the rifle...The following is from Scott Duff's web site:

"The receivers of some early rifles are of questionable strength due to through hardening causing brittleness and resulting in receivers which may shatter! According to U.S. Army reports as published in HatcherÂ’s Notebook, Chapter XVIII (available from this website and very interesting reading) Springfield Armory M1903 rifles below serial number 800000 and Rock Island M1903 rifles below serial number 285507 may be unsafe to fire. Firing these low serial numbered rifles has caused serious injury as detailed in HatcherÂ’s Notebook! M1903 rifles with serial numbers below those previously stated should be considered as collectibles only and should not be fired!"