In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.
M1903 Springfield
dirtcrew51m
Member Posts: 2 ✭
Looking to buy one, I see them sporterized, probably asked alot, if the barrel was not shortened or touched, but the wood stock was changed, can I get and use the original wood stock and wood top plate to bring it back to original looks?
Comments
In my opinion if you want a correct 03 or 03A3 you would be better off buying a good example instead of trying to piece one together.
Short answer - yes. But the bolt handle, rear sight and safety also must not be altered. . Assume you know the difference between the Model 1903 and 1903-A3. Good luck.
When I was younger, I killed a lot of critters with a Smith Corona 03/A3 using the issue sights . Currently, I have 3 in various stages of 'sporterization'. The SC version has a 4 groove barrel and is generally very accurate.
Agree with Ricci.
A correct 1903, at least the ones I have purchased, have always been well cared for and good shooters. You never know what you will get with a modified one, though there are some extremely nice rebuilt ones to be found.
Brad Steele
I have owned 1903 and 1903-A3 in military form, and they were all accurate as a military rifle goes. On a side note, I have owned a 1903-A3 that only had the two rifled barrel. It looks a little different when looking through the barrel, but seemed just as accurate as those with four rifled barrel. I also agree that you would be better off going with one that has been left original.
Thanks, I will continue to look for an unmolestered one, seems like the most logical thing to do, and I am fine spending a little extra for an original.
If you don't know about low serial number 03s, drop by the CMP website and see what they have to say. I am not going to argue that with anyone- just reading what the CMP has to say.
The two groove barrels got a bad rep. Totally undeserved. They are just as accurate as the others. Definitely purchasec an original instead of trying to rebuild a sporter.
What Eddie said about the two groove barrels.
Found last year in attic. Store sold the box.