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OK guy's I have a Springfield M1903 action. It is complete and a high number (1919), and in good working order as far as I can tell.
My question is which way should I go with this build? I like original, or at least original looking military rifles but I've also been wanting to build or buy a long range .30 cal rifle as well.
Option one would be to build it back to original M1903 specs.
I would probably buy a new criterion barrel from CMP and parkerize the action. I would also buy the model correct "S" stock for it from CMP. I would then have to find the rest of the parts like the stock metal pieces, sights, etc online "somewhere". I'm guessing with the barrel being $190, the stock set $165, and around $100 or so for metal and odds and ends I would be at ballpark $450 not including gunsmith work to install barrel.
This would be the cheapest way to go but would probably be shot the least. I would like it but I really don't need another iron sighted rifle. I re barreled my Garand last year with a Criterion and it shoots great. I would probably choose to shoot it over a 03 in a Vintage match as well, the older M1903 leaf sights are really not the best for target use. I'm afraid this would turn into just another rifle in the safe that doesn't get much trigger time.
My question is which way should I go with this build? I like original, or at least original looking military rifles but I've also been wanting to build or buy a long range .30 cal rifle as well.
Option one would be to build it back to original M1903 specs.
I would probably buy a new criterion barrel from CMP and parkerize the action. I would also buy the model correct "S" stock for it from CMP. I would then have to find the rest of the parts like the stock metal pieces, sights, etc online "somewhere". I'm guessing with the barrel being $190, the stock set $165, and around $100 or so for metal and odds and ends I would be at ballpark $450 not including gunsmith work to install barrel.
This would be the cheapest way to go but would probably be shot the least. I would like it but I really don't need another iron sighted rifle. I re barreled my Garand last year with a Criterion and it shoots great. I would probably choose to shoot it over a 03 in a Vintage match as well, the older M1903 leaf sights are really not the best for target use. I'm afraid this would turn into just another rifle in the safe that doesn't get much trigger time.