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  • Auction Catalog #48
  • Lot #1788
Lot #1787
Lot #1789

Lot 1788: Springfield Armory U.S. 1903 Rifle 30-06

Rare "Snabb" Developmental Springfield Model 1903 Semi-Automatic Experimental Rifle

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: December 4, 2009

Lot 1788: Springfield Armory U.S. 1903 Rifle 30-06

Rare "Snabb" Developmental Springfield Model 1903 Semi-Automatic Experimental Rifle

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: December 4, 2009

Estimated Price: $11,000 - $20,000
Price Realized:
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Rare "Snabb" Developmental Springfield Model 1903 Semi-Automatic Experimental Rifle

Manufacturer: Springfield Armory U.S.
Model: 1903
Type: Rifle
Gauge: 30-06
Barrel: 25 1/4 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 1501
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 60
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Description:

This rare modification was invented by a Swedish engineer in 1938. With simple adaptations of the principle, it is possible to modify any military Mauser, Springfield, Enfield or Mannlicher into a semi automatic weapon. The rear portion of the body of the rifle is removed and a guide bar is welded to the body to control the bolt movements. The bolt has the unaltered extractor and extractor ring. The handle is shortened. In the same threaded hole originally used by the firing pin, a hollow screw is inserted and welded into position. The screw serves to turn and advance or retract the bolt. As the firing pin passes through the center of this screw. It cannot reach the cartridge unless the bolt is completely advanced and locked, eliminating the risk of premature firing. When the last round is fired, the bolt stays open. There are no gas outlets and that doesn't diminish the precision or velocity of the bullet. The rifle uses standard army ammunition in magazines which are enlarged to hold 10 rounds. The barrel is standard slightly modified for attaching a sliding gas chamber and a fixed recoil spring tube. The trigger mechanism is similar in design to the standard military, except that the trigger bar is lengthened somewhat and has a movable sear. The sear is designed so that the rifle is strictly semi automatic. The rifle requires no special care outside of the standard practice for military rifles and can be field striped with a cartridge. These Snabb modified rifles are well balanced with a simple, rugged design. The mechanism is totally protected from rain, sand and dirt. The stock is American walnut with a thumb hole grip, safety lever mounted directly above the trigger, steel buttplate with compartment and a hand guard. The rifle retains the standard markings on the receiver and the front and rear sights. The rifle is complete with lengthy typed copies of the history of the rifles, description,( part by part), test firing results, photo of the rifle and some documents in a foreign language.

Rating Definition:

Fine. The receiver retains most of the blue finish with some high edge wear and flaking on the rear edge. The barrel and tube retain approximately 50% blue finish with areas of grayish patina. The magazine has a smooth brownish patina with some light spotting. The buttplate shows some minor pitting and oxidation. The stock is very good with a couple of small gouges and pressure dents on the grip area, otherwise a few minor dings and handling marks. The added safety lever does not move, otherwise the mechanics are fine. The original receiver markings are crisp and clear.



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