1914 vintage 1903 my son picked up in a deal

[JoeJames]

No one ever seems to mention that most of the blow ups were traced back to the poor quality of brass used during the blow up era.

There are plenty of rationalizations available for folks who really want to shoot them, ie., bad brass, over charges; but that does not explain why some of the receivers will break like glass: see Hatcher's Notebook. I would never shoot a low number.

[Baltimoreed]

As I only shoot light loaded cast in my 30 caliber milsurps, 3 krags and 3 ‘03s I put a reasonable bid in on a low numbered 03 a while back only to watch the bids go insanely high for a rough but unmolested rifle. Unless it was some rare 03 that I had no clue of they must have a value. Thinking someone was going to shoot it.

[Silvercreek Farmer]

Hate to beat a dead horse, but could the receiver be hardness tested and/or magnafluxed?

[Wayne Smith]

It wasn't hardness that ruined them - it was brittleness. hit it with a hammer and if it doesn't shatter you may be good?

[oconeedan]

I have a sporterized Springfield 03, over 800000 but not by much. This rifle is an excellent hunting rifle and it has killed a pile of deer. It will remain a hunting rifle and it will remain in my safe. Except when I am hunting or shooting.

[smithnframe]

According to the serial number isn't it a low-numbered Springfield?