This is a very nice example of a restored early U.S. Springfield Model 1903 rifle originally manufactured circa 1904 that is currently chambered in the original 30-03 cartridge. In early 1905, Springfield Armory stopped all production of Model 1903 ramrod bayonet model rifles following severe criticism from President Theodore Roosevelt about the Ordnance designed rod bayonet. At that time, Springfield Armory had produced approximately 75,000 rifles that had to be converted from the original ramrod bayonet model into the new model for use with the 1905 bayonet. This example is one of the first 1903 rifles with some of the upgrades. These early rifles were still chambered in the 30-03 cartridge and were eventually recalled (circa late 1906/early 1907) and converted into the new standard 30-06 cartridge by shortening the barrel and setting back the rear sight base. It is estimated that less than 100 of these original 30-03 caliber rifles still exist today. The rifle is fitted with many of the correct components that include an original, unaltered 30-03 barrel and chamber, that correctly measures approximately 24.206 inches and is still chambered for the .30-03 cartridge. The barrel is fitted with the early 1905 rear sight base, early fully cutout on the underside of the base that is still pinned in its original location (without the additional/second cross-pin slot). The base is fitted with very rare early, first variation model 1905 rear sight, that is graduated from 2-24 (200-2400 yard) with the "serifed" numbers on the bright face. It has the very early first variation split ring, small windage knob with the dished face with a later third pattern elevation knob. The top of the receiver is roll-stamped with the very early pattern small serif letters and serial number: "U.S./SPRINGFIELD/ARMORY/MODEL 1903/18780". The barrel is roll-marked "SA/Ordnance Shell and Flame/05" with no month number. It is fitted with the 1905 milled front barrel band with the bayonet stud and a milled lower barrel band and a blued milled trigger housing. It is fitted with an early all blued, straight handle bolt which has the early small single gas hole on the underside. The face of the safety lug is stamped with a capital "L" (circa 1909). It has the second style bolt sleeve and safety lock adopted in late 1904 and a late production striker. The rifle appears to have an early pattern follower that has been modified to the late pattern by rounding off the front end. The markings on the safety lock and cut-off switch also have serif letters. It is fitted with an early "S" pattern finger groove stock with no stock bolts and the 1903/05 conversion mortise cutout area machined for the early 1903 pattern rear sight base. It is complete with a correct early pattern high hump handguard with a sighting groove but no handguard clips on the side. The rear of the handguard is stamped with a capital "S" by the windage knob cutout. The left side of the stock is stamped with an early boxed "JSA/1903" cartouche and a circled, script "P" proof behind the trigger guard. It is fitted with the blued smooth face 1903 buttplate. This example still retains an early polished blue metal finish, the oil quenched casehardened receiver, and a blue/brown finished bolt. It comes with its original nickel plated oiler and an original pull-through/cleaning jag stored inside the butt-trap and an early unmarked, first pattern leather sling.

Fine condition as restored back to original configuration with much of its blued and casehardened finishes overall and fading of the oil quenched casehardened and blued finished on the exposed areas. The early 1903 pattern rear sight base does show some minor/light pitting/oxidation on the sides, and thinning on the exposed section of the barrel. The markings are clear and distinct. The buttstock and handguard are both in very fine condition with a nice original matching medium brown oil finish overall and a clear distinct cartouche and firing proof. It has a considerable number of the correct, early pattern parts that present this as a very nice looking early 1903 Springfield rifle in 30-03 cartridge.