GAF EEM -low serial# 1903 Springfields?

[Robert Swartz]

...we've discussed in our local group. Shooting the kind of loads that we do. Don't see it as a big concern. How do other GAF members/groups view it? In admission,I don't have one, yet. Want to use this as a guide before I purchase one. Just wouldn't like showing up and being told one can't use the rifle you've brought.

[Drydock]

We have no rules concerning 1903 serial numbers.  Use at your own risk.

[Niederlander]

My Rock Island is from 1911 and I have no qualms about shooting service loads in it, let alone Trail Boss loads.  As an aside, I believe the Army studied that issue long ago, including testing some low number rifles to destruction.  The first one didn't let go until they fired a FIFTY PERCENT overload.  They found the problem was substandard quality contracted wartime ammunition.  Once they got rid of that, the problem went away.  The Army only pulled the low number rifles out of service if they were sent back to the arsenal for repair.  The Marine Corps never pulled them for any reason.  It's up to you, but basically it was much ado about nothing.

[Robert Swartz]

.....thanks guys, well aware of the US Army studies. As stated, with the loads we shoot, not real concerned.  So, still searching for that one rifle that speaks to me. Just haven't found it yet.....

[Baltimore Ed]

I think that I would shoot one if I had the opportunity but with my lead reloads. Don't know if I'd use any milspec ammo.  Been hoping that I'd find one to restore to go with my Mark 1 and cut down '03s.

[Bat 2919]

Only you can decide what risks you want to take in your life.  I have a Rock Island 1903 Springfield that falls squarely into the low serial number range, I knew it was a low number gun and what that meant when I bought it.  I bought it intending it to be a shooter and I've been shooting it with the full range of ammo from light hand loads to Milsurp Ball for many years with a good deal of success I might add.

[ira scott]

"with a good deal of success I might add"   Nine for nine at the Grand Muster Long Range always looked like a good deal of success to me Bat!

Major B.N. Scotty