CMP 1903 Condition?

[offthepaper]

Now that the CMP is offering the 1903/A03's they state that the barrels will most likely need replacement. But the posts I have seen on this forum have stated that they were better upon arrival than expected, and in fact may not have to be rebarreled. My question is: has anybody here ordered a 1903 from CMP and been disappointed with the condition, or anyone order one and will actually have to replace the barrel?

 

[offthepaper]

Bump

 

[Dr. Dickie]

Since no one else has answered, let me give my two cents.
I think when folks were talking about the barrels being better than expected, they were talking about the field grade or service grade rifles that were purchased before this most recent batch (I know the two I got had great barrels on them).
CMP only got these latest ones in over the last two months or so. They are supposed to be rifles used for ceremonies, and the barrels are supposed to be terrible. If the guys at CMP say they will likely need barrels, they likely will need barrels.
Course '03 and '03A3 barrels can be had, so that is not such a problem.

 

[Thin Black Line]

I seem to remember something on the CMP website newsletter about rifling
being non-existent.

 

[SomeKid]

Dr.D, wrong. I got one of the new batch. I think the barrel looks fine, haven't shot it yet though.

CMP tends to advertise the worst, so that nobody can say they expected better. (My opinion based on my Garand and 03a3 from CMP.)

 

[trigger753]

The barrel on the one I received at first looked like a smooth bore. Once I managed to get the carbon and layers of crud chipped out it turned out to be in great condition. No pitting. Prepare to spend a lot of time getting all the junk out of the barrel. 95% of the original finish is intact and the wood is in great condition.