need advise on value?

[srk3006]

have been offered a '03 with serial # 603xxx and barrel date of 38, barrel appears nice but by his own admission it is not a "correct" 03 but a great shooter... is $500 good price? it looks to be in pretty good shape, advise appreciated, don't know how long he will wait for answer...

Information

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[Chuckindenver]

wait and buy one thats safe to shoot.

[Randy A]

Does the crown of the barrel have a star mark in the 6:00 position?
Like this:

http://www.vishooter.net/m1903/MZL_STR.JPG

[CptEnglehorn]

depending on the condition and if the price is right id buy it and part it out. The parts it has could probably be used to restore a few other rifles.

[NRA]

Does the crown of the barrel have a star mark in the 6:00 position?
Like this:

http://www.vishooter.net/m1903/MZL_STR.JPG

OK what does the crown mean?

[Rick the Librarian]

Just the part that is showing in the picture.

[NRA]

Just the part that is showing in the picture.

yes I understand that but the stamped crown with the star marked at the 6 oclock location I have not seen before.

[Salt Flat]

I would pass on it if you are looking for a rifle to shoot. This is a low serial number and as such is generally considered unsafe. Some people will shoot them but I pucker at the thought. Oops. I probably shouldn't get this going again. Salt Flat

[Neal Myers]

I believe what Salt Flat is referring to is the published warning that Springfield Armory rifles with a serial number < 800,000 should be considered unsafe to shoot. There are some folks who believe that this is not true, or, at least, the odds of catastrophic failure are extremely small; still, this drops the "value" of such guns to the $150 range for use as parts if they are not completely original (& therefore collectible).

[Johnny Peppers]

The "crown" is the muzzle end of the barrel, and the mark shown at the 6:00 position on the crown is a star gauge mark.