M1903 Build opinions

[hub]

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.

 

[hub]

My second option would be to basically build the same rifle and scope it.

Being an ex Marine as well as a fan of the original M1903 (Marines never adopted the a3's) it's only makes sense that I love the looks of those old school sniper rifles with the long scopes. I believe the Marines had built the early M1903 into a sniper platform during WW1 using a LYMAN 5A scope or a Winchester A5. This would be period correct set up for the receiver but I also like the looks of a WWII M1903a1/Unertl.

If I go this route I would have to get the barrel machined for the scope mount through the stock and from what I have read that the external adjustments can be a pain not to mention the price of a vintage Lyman or a Unertl and bases will basically double or triple the build cost. I'm guessing at least $1000+ for this set up after building the rifle, adding the scope and bases and gunsmith work. I think it would be really cool to own but it will always just be a replica, I'm fine with that and would probably never sell it but that's a lot of money for the kind of performance I would expect to get out of it.

 

[hub]

My third option I was thinking is just ditching the whole original military rebuild idea and build myself a nice long range shooter out of the action.

I already have a SWFA SS 10x I'm not using, I could purchase a Kreiger or other stainless match barrel in 30-06 and put it into a good free floating stock, bed and refinish myself. I was thinking something like one of Richards Microfit's Target Prone stocks. This would no doubt be a better shooter and I could probably do it for the same amount of money or less.

Sorry for the long post but anyone have any opinions?

 

[Smokey Joe]

Just my opinion...

Hub--Here's my thinking: You don't really want another "as issued" military rebuild for yourself. You also don't really want to sporterize this original M1903 action. You don't want to spend inordinate amounts of $$ on making a safe queen. But you DO want a long-range target weapon.

Therefore: (1) sell the M1903 action to someone who DOES want to restore it and shoot it. There are only so many of those, and they aren't making them any more. (2) Buy yourself a Savage heavy target or F-class rifle, and skip the re-building.

I think you will be money ahead that way, and you can begin immediately, developing an accurate load for the Savage, and get right into long-range competition or hunting.

Now if I'm mistaken, and what you want is a project to build that results in a long-range rifle, then just buy the Savage action, have Krieger make you a barrel, get a Boyd's unfinished stock, and have at it. I believe Savage sells their target actions separately. Or there are plenty of benchrest-shooter suppliers who will sell you a Savage, or for that matter a Rem 700, action.

Please keep us posted on yr decision!

 

[dirtyjim]

i would use it to build something similar to the springfield model t heavy barrel target rifle, but instead of using one of the external adjustment scopes you could find a redfield 3200 24x scope. they have a similar look and can be had for around $500-600.
basically the model T was a 1903 action in a 1922 stock with a heavy barrel with target blocks for a unertl scope. the receiver was fitted with a long slide lyman 48 and the end of the barrel was stepped down to fit an original 1903 front sight base with a lyman globe front sight.

 

[Slamfire]

Therefore: (1) sell the M1903 action to someone who DOES want to restore it and shoot it. There are only so many of those, and they aren't making them any more. (2) Buy yourself a Savage heavy target or F-class rifle, and skip the re-building.

Best choice.

I built up a number of 03's around 03 receivers. I still have enough barrels and parts to build some more, if I wanted. I recently purchased four new type C stocks from the CMP. It makes economic sense for me to build them up and sell them.

But you want a shooter.

An original 03 is a poor target rifle. The sights are difficult to use and adjust. Putting an aftermarket barrel really hits the collector value. Bubba wants a GI rifle and so do collectors.

There are better actions for a target rifle than a 03 action. Firing pin fall is slow, no decent match triggers, and it would be expensive, to build a match rifle around an 03 receiver.

You are better off starting with CDNN FN M70 action and building up a target rifle than starting with a Springfield action.