1903A3 in 280 Rem?

[The_Next_Generation]

Hey all,

So I've come across some stripped 1903A3 actions and was considering picking one up for a build, but I have some questions. I'm starting to get to the limit of my AR15 (White Oak bbl, shoots REAL nice ) range-wise and would like to use the 280 for shooting even further (JBM says I might should be able to get a 175 Berger XLD supersonic to ~1600yds).

Is building a 1903A3 in 280 Rem a good idea? I've read about various long-range builds folks have done and I have yet to see one done on a 1903a3 receiver. Obviously I would have to D/T it for a scope base. Is there anything about these receivers that make doing this a bad choice? I realize it may not be as stiff as some of the custom actions available, but will it really matter? Also, is there a "preferred" source for custom barrels for the 1903A3 rifles?

I would also need a stock and a nice trigger. Any recommendations? The Timney seems like a great option and is only $50 or so, and Boyd's seems to have nice stocks at a reasonable price.

Note: I am not interested in maintaining the G.I. appearance. The only reason I am interested in using the 1903A3 receiver is because they can be had cheap

Thanks in advance!
-TNG

EDIT: After doing some more research it seems that the stripped A3 receiver is not that cost-effective. I would have to buy an extractor, firing pin, fp spring, bottom metal, etc. etc. I think I'd be be better off just getting a cheap Stevens 200 or something and going from there. Still, I appreciate anything you guys have to say about building a rifle in 280 Rem or 7mm-08!

 

[USSR]

The_Next_Generation,

The O3-A3 is not a good receiver to build off of, and I say that having a Mint Smith-Corona 03-A3. You want to build off something that has quality, match, aftermarket parts available for it. All my LR target rifles are built using the Winchester Model 70 receiver such as the rifle below.

Don

 

[eastbank]

put your money in a factory rifle,because when you move on to another rifle you will be able to sell it for alot more than a military rebuilt rifle, don,t ask me how i know. eastbank.

 

[P.B.Walsh]

I'd say to do it, you'll have a one of a kind rifle that you built yourself (the reciever). But I am not one to sell rifles either, so if your looking to sell later, the above post is correct, but a cheap Stevens and sell it.

 

[VA27]

Money-wise you are better off building on a commercial action, but the coolest rifle I've ever seen was a completely stock looking military '03, chambered in 35 Whelen. I'm pretty sure it will never be for sale in his lifetime.

 

[Caliper_Mi]

I'll second the opinions above about using a commercial action. Having off the shelf parts from dozens of manufacturers will make a rifle build far easier to finish.

Ah, just noticed your update... Good choice.

Just picking between 7mm08 vs 280 Rem I'd lean towards 280 for the added velocity with 175 and 180gr bullets. Now, if you are open to calibers outside of 7mm, consider 260 Rem. 260 has about the same trajectory as 280 but with less recoil.

 

[Archie Otto]

I have built three 03A3's into sporters, The first was a .280 Remington, then a 6.5-.284 Win and then a .35 Whelen. Stocks came from boyds or elk ridge, I had the safeties modified for low scope mounting and they are great accurate rifles. The 6.5-284 was my 600 yard competition rifle. It could not keep up with the $3000 target rifles but did sub-MOA all day long. They are all hunting guns now but I would not hesitate taking a 200+ yard shot under the right conditions.

If you want a rugged rifle on a classic CRF action then build one. Yes their are better choices but it all comes down to what you want.

 

[AlexanderA]

A lot of the M1903A3 stripped receivers that are on the market now came from disassembled drill rifles. Look for signs of welding at the bottom of the receiver ring and around the magazine cutoff. These are typically reparkerized after having the weld evidence ground off. Such a receiver may or may not be safe. I wouldn't invest any money in it.

 

[The_Next_Generation]

Any sources for that information AlexanderA? The actions are for sale on AIM Surplus and they seem OK to me, but I'm sure it would be difficult to tell unless you saw one in person.

I like the idea of a Win 70 action, I'll keep that in mind. I'll probably jump on the next cheap Stevens200/Savage110/Remington700/Winchester70 that I see.

What do you guys think of this cartridge's ability to keep 'em going at ranges over 1,400yds? Has anyone here shot that far with a 280?