So the wife talked me into going to some yard/estate sales today, and I saw this rifle and could not resist for $20.00. I found this website while looking for info as I am a little curious as to what I have bought. I have gone through some of the threads, and realize that this rifle is not in it's original configuration. I'm hoping that some of the experts here might have some opinions of this rifle. The lady that I bought it from said that it has been sitting in her closet for the last 20 years, and could not remember where her husband acquired it from.

A little about the rifle. The serial# is 165776 and is stamped 1898 us springfield armory. The front sight is a blade with a brass tip and is stamped "sheared". The rear sight is a peep sight and is stamped "redfield". The bolt action is ultra smooth. The butt plate has a door that opens, but the storage area is empty. The barrel has some external pitting, and I haven't had a chance to check the bore. Oh yeah, someone has scratched their CA DL# on the butt stock in the wood.

At this point I don't know if there is any real value for this rifle. Should I clean it and have a gunsmith check it out, or just hang it on the wall in my den? I figured for the $20.00, I at least got a good conversation piece to hang on the wall. Sorry for the long winded post, and any help or insight would be appreciated. Will attempt to post a pic. Thanks.

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Even "sporterized" it's worth (unless there is some hidden flaw) at least 15X what you paid. If still in full military trim, it would have been 30X. Doesn't look too badly done. Sheard (made by Marble's, I believe) and Redfield were two very well-respected names in hunting sights. Redfield may still be in business.

Should be a fun rifle - as you say, the actions are VERY smooth. Great find! Ammunition can be had, though perhaps not at your very first stop. The .30-40 is more than adequate for any American hunting, within reasonable range. Might not be first choice as a "stopper" against an Alaskan brown bear, or for antelope at 400 yards, but it's no slouch, either.

Congrats to you! Great Find! Looks fantastic! It's a hunting rifle. Have it checked out and shoot it! These rifles are a BLAST to shoot! And very accurate! Great actions!
Terry

Wow!  What a great find.  I wonder why I never find "those" yard sales. :'(  (Maybe something to do with living in New England  ;))