Ok so I have started work accurizing my 1903 a3. It has 2 grove ra 44 barrel, that I just finished poling with tubbs system, (bright and shiny), I already bedded the barrel and action lug with acraglass and I plan to do a trigger job. But I can't make up my mind - apparently barrel bedding might be old school, and more folks are going to free floating instead? - So what's your opinion, I also plan to cut and lap the crown-- any other suggestions? I also thought of a barrel tension shroud- (quite like how Dan Wesson shrouded their barrels) thread the muzzle end of the barrel and make a shroud that would butt the front of the receiver (lathe enough of a step) and tighten at the muzzle to reduce barrel whip- Ideas?
Springfield 1903 a3 accuracy
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rcmodel
Member in memoriam
Finish it and shoot it first.
Before you try to fix something that isn't broke.
IMO: You already half wore out the barrel with the Tubbs fire lapping system!!
My first home-built rifle was a DCM 03A3 in 1962 when I was 18 years old.
It's still shoots sub-MOA with the 2-groove barrel and handloads.
Homemade 03A3 30-06 --- 98 Mauser 25-06
rc
Before you try to fix something that isn't broke.
IMO: You already half wore out the barrel with the Tubbs fire lapping system!!
My first home-built rifle was a DCM 03A3 in 1962 when I was 18 years old.
It's still shoots sub-MOA with the 2-groove barrel and handloads.
Homemade 03A3 30-06 --- 98 Mauser 25-06
rc
Liberty1776
Member
yep....This ^^^
every word. If I had doubts I'd maybe go ahead and crown the muzzle, but that's it. Mine shoots good too... second stock I ever did; Richards Micro-fit in AA Tiger Maple
dangit, can't figure out how to post the pic. maybe later....it's late.
every word. If I had doubts I'd maybe go ahead and crown the muzzle, but that's it. Mine shoots good too... second stock I ever did; Richards Micro-fit in AA Tiger Maple
dangit, can't figure out how to post the pic. maybe later....it's late.
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jim in Anchorage
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I can tell you a 1903A3 was the first center fire rifle I owned and that 2 grove barrel LOVED cast bullets. I have yet to own a rifle that would shoot them better. All I did was float the barrel, bed the action and have the bolt turned down.
Totally free floating rifle barrels has been the norm for match winning and record setting rifles. Anything that transfers pressure from the fore end's bending to the barrel changes how it whips and wiggles before the bullet leaves degrades accuracy. With the receiver epoxied to a 100% fit to the stock and the barrel having at least 1/16th inch clearance to the fore end, you're in good shape; and so are your accuracy test groups.
Don't worry about barrel whip. Free floated ones whip the same amount and at the same frequency for every shot fired. Whipping free floating barrels are probably the most repeatable thing in your accuracy system; don't mess with them. Accuracy = shooter + parts fit + parts quality + ammo quality + sight quality. Any one of these with too much variance in its performance makes for less accuracy.
Don't worry about barrel whip. Free floated ones whip the same amount and at the same frequency for every shot fired. Whipping free floating barrels are probably the most repeatable thing in your accuracy system; don't mess with them. Accuracy = shooter + parts fit + parts quality + ammo quality + sight quality. Any one of these with too much variance in its performance makes for less accuracy.
rskent
Member
RC if you don't mind. What load did you use to get sub moa with your 03?
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
It was my coyote rifle for years.
110 Sierra HP + 53.0 IMR-4064 gives slightly under an inch.
125 Sierra HP + 53.0 IMR-4895 is nearly as good.
rc
110 Sierra HP + 53.0 IMR-4064 gives slightly under an inch.
125 Sierra HP + 53.0 IMR-4895 is nearly as good.
rc
RC, I always learn something from your posts. If you don't mind, I would like your opinion on a choice of barrels. I have a Remington 1903a3 receiver that I am rebuilding into a military rifle with the C pistol grip stock from the CMP. I have an option to either buy a new Criterion barrel via the CMP store which is a four groove barrel or a new in cosmoline 1944 Remington two groove barrel for about the same price. Given that neither of the barrels will be as issued as my receiver dates in 1943 and I plan on shooting this rifle, what would you say might be more accurate and reliable based on feeding/extraction. A gunsmith has the surplus barrel and will install either barrel.
PS, I also reload and am considering getting into casting bullets for my assorted mil-surps to lower feeding costs for Enfields, Arisakas, Mausers, Swiss rifles etc. if this makes a difference.
PS, I also reload and am considering getting into casting bullets for my assorted mil-surps to lower feeding costs for Enfields, Arisakas, Mausers, Swiss rifles etc. if this makes a difference.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
I'd say the old surplus GI barrel would be very likely to be in spec and screw right on.
Then Feed, Fire, & Function Freely.
They didn't expect to have to do any tinkering around to get them to work when they used them in arsenal rebuilds back then.
I have no experience with the new Criterion barrels, but a lot of folks seem to think pretty highly of them.
But they will require fitting and head-spacing by your gunsmith as they are short chambered .010" and will need final headspace reamed.
rc
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
I would not get too upset about putting a 1944 Rem barrel on a 1943 Rem 03A3 receiver either.
It could have come right from the factory like that early in 1944 during WWII.
rc
It could have come right from the factory like that early in 1944 during WWII.
rc
rskent
Member
RC Thanks for the help.
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