1903 Springfield customization options--What caliber?

[ol' scratch]

I have just recently gotten a 1903 Springfield barrelled reciever. It has nothing else. The barrel is shot. It is very rusted, both inside and out. It is so rusted, in fact, that I can't read the date on the barrel. Oddly enough, the reciever isn't.

I have always wanted a rifle to customize. I think this Springfield is just the ticket. The rifle was purchased as a member in a lot. The others can be brought back to their former glory and will be.

What calibers have people used in customizing a 1903? I know anything in the 30-06 family, but what has worked for people? This rifle has no bolt, trigger, stock, or sights. It has a serial in the 1,000,000 range, so I am safe there.

Thoughts?

 

[dirtyjim]

i've always like springfields in odd calibers.
7x57 or 6.5x55 would be very nice for a nice light stalking type rifle.
i've seen one in 404 jeffery that looked very good too & i may build one in 10,75x68mm.
i also think one in 9mm mauser would be neat.
i have a couple of 1903 projects on the back burner that i'm collecting parts for.
one is going to be in 22 lr since i just happen to have a vey nice 1922 bolt & stock. the other is in 22 hornet using a sedgly 22 hornet magazine that was mixed in with a parts lot i bought a while back.

 

[jpwilly]

Why not 25-06, 270, 308, 7mm-08?? Seems like a good fit espcially for your bolt!

 

[Maverick223]

I would squeeze in a 9.3x64mm Brenneke, got thump?

 

[dirtyjim]

Why not 25-06, 270, 308, 7mm-08?? Seems like a good fit especially for your bolt!

kinda bland in my opinion, but if thats the calibers you like then go for it.
i think if your starting from scratch with a bare receiver why not do something interesting with it.

here's what i think would make a very nice & unique 03 sporter, but it wouldn't be cheap.
start out with a winchester 54 or win 70 countour barrel with the rear sight boss, intergal barrel band swivel base & intergal front sight ramp chambered in either 9mm mauser or 7mm mauser. cut the front sight ramp for a necg caterpillar front sight & install a Winchester Repro 5 Leaf Long Range Express Sight .
you could save around $1000 by using a necg banded swivel base & banded front sight instead of a intergal swivel base & front sight ramp.
reshape the rear tang wundhammer style & put it in a european classic stock from great american with a ebony forend tip. trap dor buttplate & grip cap from biesens. rust blue then a canvas & leather sling from jeffs outfitters to finish it off.
it wouldn't be cheap but it would be nice.

 

[birdshot8's]

i am thinking about 35 whelen. or maybe that newer federal round the 370 sako.

 

[critter]

I have a couple of .35 Whelen's built on M98 actions. That would be a good fit in the '03 receiver AND a great hunting caliber.

 

[redneck2]

I know very little about those, but I do know that some of the receivers were very brittle and unsuited for upgrades.

FWIW...my SIL has one in .223.

Just remember, you'll have as much or more in it than you would a commercial rifle, and it will worth 1/2 as much. Needs to be a labor of love.

 

[SaxonPig]

The original 30-'06 is one of the greatest cartridges ever designed.

But, if you want something different, I like the 7mm bore. The heavier bullets in .284" have tremendous sectional density making for really flat trajectories. The .280 Remington is essentially the '06 case necked down to .284" so no modifications would be needed to magazine or bolt face.

The 280 Rem might be something to consider.

 

[dirtyjim]

Just remember, you'll have as much or more in it than you would a commercial rifle, and it will worth 1/2 as much.

not necessarily, i hear that same b.s. from people who have never built anything.

if you just slap a 03 in a bishop stock thats been finished with crap from wally world, then d&t it for some cheap weaver bases & slap a cheapie scope on it then attempt to polish it & cold blue it you might have a point.
if you build a quality custom rifle it will hold its value and will bring more than a off the shelf remchester if for some strange reason you decide to sell it.

off the shelf rifles offer little to someone who is used to fine customs.
if i was to buy a remchester i would still end up spending almost as much or more getting it the way i wanted as i would if i had started out with a mauser or springfield donor rifle.

 

[rcmodel]

What caliber?

03 Springfield actions have been used for everything from the 22-250 up to the .458 WinMag, and a lot of wildcats nobody still living ever heard of..

Take your pick and it will probably work.

Sticking with something in the 30-06 head size will require less work though.

rc

 

[Kleanbore]

Just make sure it is a high number rifle--or don't fool with it.

If I were doing it I'd stick with .30-'06, and I'd try to model it after either an early commercial sporter such as a Griffin and Howe or an Armory NRA Sporter.

 

[Maverick223]

I still prefer the 9.3x64 Brenneke, but I like the idea of a .280Rem. or .35Whelen as well, and both of these will require less work due to the bolt face being the same.

 

[dirtyjim]

If I were doing it I'd stick with .30-'06, and I'd try to model it after either an early commercial sporter such as a Griffin and Howe or an Armory NRA Sporter.

this one is styled after the nra sporters. i still need to repair the stock where the previous owner extended the cutout for the lyman 48 all the way down the stock.

 

[Snowdog]

Be different, look at the 6.5-06

If you don't ever plan on handloading, maybe a .270 Winchester is for you.

 

[VA27]

I saw a project like you're thinking of. It ended up being a 'rifle that never was', an 03A3 20"bbl military carbine in 35 Whelen. I really liked it. Good luck with your project and show us pix when you get 'er done.

 

[tactikel]

I'd rebarrel it with a .270 or .30-06 for larger game, .25-06 or 6mm/.243 for medium game, or .22-250 for varmints. A stripped receiver is a project (it really is cheaper to buy a new Savage .270)-I would get a premium barrel; bolt and safety set for a scope, a decent trigger (Timney etc.) and a polymer stock (or walnut if you are old school). How do I know? I did it twice, first with a '03-A3 in 30-06 and again with a Mauser in .22-250; I wouldn't trade either for any NIB rifle!!
It will cost you more time and $$- but you will learn more about guns, cartridges, and yourself- and will have a family heirloom when you finish.