Springfield Armory Model 1903 Low-Number .30-06, 1906 Production, RA-P Reinspected, Early Configuration with 24 in Barrel
Early 1906 production Springfield Armory Model 1903 with a low-number single heat-treat receiver, RA-P Raritan Arsenal reinspection, and classic early features including the Model 1905 barrel-mounted ladder rear sight, high-hump walnut handguard, and S-type straight-grip stock with grasping grooves. This rifle presents in good condition with a bright bore, smooth cycling action, and comes with a long-blade bayonet and an M1907-style leather sling.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The original finish shows honest wear and thinning on the receiver and barrel, with superficial scratches and blemishes consistent with its age. The action cycles smoothly. The walnut stock shows typical field dings and handling marks from service use but remains structurally sound.
What’s Included
- Long-blade bayonet with metal scabbard
- M1907-style leather sling
This rifle retains its early configuration highlights: a barrel-mounted Model 1905 ladder rear sight, a high-hump walnut handguard, and an S-type straight-grip, full-length walnut stock with grasping grooves. The front sight is a pinned blade protected by wings, and the base is marked "U.S."
The receiver is forged steel and falls into the low-number, single heat-treat range from 1906 Springfield production. It features a straight bolt handle, a wing safety, and an internal 5-round magazine with a hinged floorplate. Hardware includes a front band with bayonet lug, a stacking swivel, and sling swivels at the middle band and butt.
An RA-P stamp indicates Raritan Arsenal reinspection, documenting later arsenal evaluation/maintenance after its initial service life. The iron sight arrangement is correct for early rifles, with the Model 1905 ladder rear sight mounted on the barrel and the protected front blade.
Historical warning: This example has a Springfield Armory receiver below serial number 800,000 and is considered a "low-number" receiver. The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) and many collectors advise against firing rifles below serial number 285,507 (Rock Island) or 800,000 (Springfield Armory) due to concerns about brittle steel from inconsistent single heat-treatment processes used at the time (see https://thecmp.org/sales-and-service/m1903-m1903a3-rifle-information/).