Springfield 03 accurization

How could one go about accurizing a Springfield '03 while maintaining the military character of the rifle (full-legnth stock, iron sights and such)? Assume the barrel is a very good condition GI barrel (though I think Krieger may have new barrels).

If these improvements were conducted properly and a good scope were mounted, what kind of accuracy would one get from the rifle?

I don't know the details but the old NM '03s were products of selected parts and careful assembly with a lot of attention to the steel on wood bedding. I have an old article comparing different military match rifles and the NM '03 was shooting sub-MOA with ammo loaded to military match specifications.

But why would you want to keep its "military character" and then screw it up with a scope?

There is a company that specializes in accurizing Springfields to NM pattern and beyond. I don't have the site saved but will look around.

Here it is.
http://www.nationalmatcharmory.com/

I wouldn't put a scope on it unless the collectability is already ruined, or you have a 1903A4 Sniper model. Otherwise, you can indeed do some tweaking to enhance accuracy on a 1903 Springfield.

Krieger is now offering barrels, in 1903A3 contour, for the rifle. If you have an earlier 1903, you'll need to remove the barrel sight sleeve and transplant it onto the new Krieger barrel. I'd recommend getting one short-chambered, then use a match reamer, perhaps even a pull-through reamer where the bolt will close at the exact moment proper headspace is achieved.

I restored a 1903A4 Springfield Sniper that was sporterized, with a cut-down barrel and stock. It received a new-in-wrap 2-groove barrel that matched the receiver date. Once it was timed to the receiver, I purposely used that pull-through match reamer, flushing the bore of shavings fairly often.

I purchased a replica walnut C-stock, and spent extra time relieving the barrel channel as well as making extra room around the receiver and receiver tang before staining and finishing it with linseed oil. The new walnut handguard was also relieved inside. That way, I could glass-bed the receiver and first inch or so of the barrel, then free-float the barrel until it reached the front stacking swivel band. Out there, the barrel received a consistent 5 pounds of upward pressure when clamped between handguard, stock forend, and barrel band.

I replaced the trigger with a Timney, which looks for all practical purposes like the USGI version when the gun is assembled. About the only clue one will find that the trigger is not original is the splash of red anodizing seen in the sear area of the receiver when the bolt is removed, the slightly wider trigger and trigger slot in the triggerguard, and the extra-crisp 2.5 pound trigger pull. I also replaced the 1944-vintage striker spring with a new high-power version from Wolff Springs.

All of my accuracy mods are well hidden from view on the rifle, but I don't want anybody to think that it's a pristine, USGI M1903A4 Sniper. Hence, in the cleaning hole of the buttstock is a laminated card stating the rifle is a restoration of an original 1903A4, and it lists all that was done in the restoration.

What did those tweaks accomplish? My favorite 168gr Sierra MatchKing load will group into 3/4" at 100 yards as the rifle is set up. Even my 150gr FMJBT "plinking" loads will group inside an inch at that range. I'm now convinced a 2-groove barrel is indeed every bit as accurate as a 4-groove version, and I have a great amount of respect for WWII snipers, even with a 2.5x scope they could engage targets with reasonable accuracy.

http://mauser98.com/03a4target.jpg

http://mauser98.com/03a4bench.jpg

As for the rifle, I do not intend on getting any sort of collectable rifle. I'm looking for a base for a project gun that makes a good target and hunting rifle.

To address the people at National Match Armory, I refuse to deal with them. Their prices are obscene and they are dishonest.

So, as for reasonably simple things to improve the 03, I have: bed the action, free-float the barrel inside the stock, replace or tune the trigger and replace the spring with a more powerful one to improve lock time.

Can anyone reccomend a good scope mount that will accept a modern scope? I think Weaver has one. Would I be much better off with an A3 (I'd rather not have to remove sights when I add a scope though).

To Gewehr98: have you ever used your rifle further out? Any experience at around 500m?

To address the people at National Match Armory, I refuse to deal with them. Their prices are obscene and they are dishonest.

Them's fightin words. Care to elaborate? I've actually had the chance to talk with Eric and find him to be nothing but extremely knowledgable and extremely polite.

As for the prices, yes they are steep, but not ridiculous by any means. You get what you pay for, and as far as garands and 1903's go, you'd be hard pressed to find a better product.

What exactly is dishonest about NMA?

If one examines their page devoted to the Springfield, one will find a group allegedly produced by one of their rifles. However, this group is obviously faked. Instead of presenting holes, they show nothing but pasters. Furthermore, they used thin pasters which show that there are no holes behind the stickers. While they may do quality work, this establishes a very bad precedent.

I saw the picture you are speaking of, and personally I can't tell whether or not the pasters are covering actual shots or not, but even if you are correct, that really doesnt have anything to do with the quality of Eric's work.

Remember, this is the guy that builds the presentation rifles for the competitions at Camp Perry... which is pretty much the mecca of rifle shooting in the US. Apart NMA is nationally recognized as one of THE best builders for battle rifles. His work pretty much speaks for itself.

Here's an idea, why don't you call or e-mail Eric and ask instead of spreading internet rumors. If I sound a bit harsh, its because there are fewer and fewer good people in this industry, and Eric is one of them. Until you have something solid, there's no reason for calling someone dishonest, especially someone whose livelihood depends in part on reputation.

The pasters do look fake, but that misses the point entirely- A good 1903 whether built by that company or not is plenty capable of shooting that well.