1903 Springfield Rifle - I AM REALLY CONFUSED!

[martin08]

As JYD mentioned above, there were some US arms with scrubbed receivers, which were imported from China and abroad back in the late 1980's or early 1990's. Some of these had electropenciled serial numbers applied and recorded by Century Arms. The M1903 and M1917 rifles originated in the Philippines and were sent to the Chinese in 1942 to aid in fighting against Japan. Still more of the guns were sent to the Chinese Nationalists in 1947 to fight the Communists.

The typical evidence for the rifles from these origins will include a two digit bolt number, and the Century Arms import mark. Some could include Chinese markings, or even arsenal shortening of the barrel and buttstock (M1917).

If the gun in question can't be tied to these particular arms transfers, then I'd ask for a refund. But if it has the bolt number and import mark, it might have some specific history.

http://www.russian-mosin-nagant-forum.c ... =6&t=15079

[bunkysdad]

That sounds good Mike, and fair for both parties

[Ironnewt]

It's a shame you could not get the rifle you thought you were bidding on, but I agree that your best bet is to step away from this "deal"

[docbob]

It's good that we have knowledgeable people here that have given you good and correct advice. Deal or no deal? NO DEAL!

[berkmberk1]

There are nice people out there.......just got these today...

Sir,

Sorry for the lag time in response (I did not get your emails until this morning when I got in to work).

I'm going to try and compile answers for the last two emails in one (hopefully this works). I can understand you not being comfortable, it threw me for a loop when I was told about this too. In some way the original markings were either ground or worn down to the point that they were not legible anymore. The ATF lab did a magnetic and chemical restoration of the original markings to verify the weapon. I agree that it does affect the value of the rifle, being not in original form is a huge issue in value. I would fully understand if you wanted to back out of the purchase as this was not disclosed (since I didn't even know about it until 2 days before the auction closed). My gunsmith made it by this morning and he let me know that he does not have the proper font to do a true "factory" stamping. He recommended that I find one of the restoration specialists to take care of it properly. Per your request I am attaching a photo of the receiver for you to take a look at, it is hard to tell, but the markings shown are not embedded in the steel, they are smooth with the receiver.

Again, I apologize for not having had this information sooner, and I would completely understand if you did not want to complete the transaction. I have every intention of taking care of this issue although I have no time frame for how long it will take. I would be more than happy to let you know when the stamping is taken care of if you so desire.

Respectfully,
Byron.

and

I agree with your assessment, I am however going to leave you some POSITIVE feedback as you have been more that amicable in this "headache" situation. I thank you for your understanding. I appreciate the gentleman that you have been through all of this and again I apologize for this situation.

Respectfully,
Byron.

[martin08]

Now that's a stand up guy.

[boltaction]

Hello, As I said before, At times, Give someone, the benefit of the dought. Isn't florensic science great. Also, I'm glad the gunsmith knew his limits... a stamps not just a stamp. Like before good luck.

[bunkysdad]

I would save that seller to look at future auctions. He is indeed a stand-up guy.