Springfield 1903 Project Finished

[lencac]

Well, finally got it finished but here are a few pics of my 1903A3/A4 I rebuilt to MIL spec. ........ well kinda, sorta. Anyway it has taken what seems like forever (about 2 years) but the end result is well worth it. So I thought I would share it with y'all. The only thing left from the original firearm is the receiver and the bolt assembly. Krieger barrel, Timney comp trigger, stamped 03A3 parts replaced by machined 1903 parts, new Mil-spec C-type wide grip stock, new hand guard. Topped off with Redfield mount, Leupold rings and Leupold 6x18 VariX II target scope. I completely glass bedded the stock including the barrel support at the end of the forearm. Hand guard is tuned to provide proper down force on the barrel and was inlet to allow the lowest possible scope mounting. Trigger pull comes in at a crisp 1.5 lbs. Today was the first time I've shot it with all the elements of the finished piece in place. The pictured target is at 100 yrds off the bench. The load is from a known good combination I had from the past. Sierra 168 gr. Match Kings, 55 gr. Reloder 19 powder, CCI BR primers and Lake City Match cases. OAL 3.350. Looks like it is going to shoot pretty well. And that is just the first load tried

 

[moojpg2]

very nice, makes me wish me wish I had bought an 03' that my friend was practically going to give to me :banghead:

 

[SigfanUSAF]

I like how you combined both the milspec and "sporterized" aspects. I am truly in love with the height of your scope Nice work!

 

[Baba Louie]

Very nice work. Very nice little group.

 

[lencac]

Thanks guys. Truth is there was a time I almost just trashed the whole thing cause it wouldn't shoot for **** in it's test incarnations (sporterized stock to free float barrel). After much convulsing came to find out the front scope ring that was previously on it was somewhat wore and did not fit tight enough in the mount:banghead: Got new rings and was home free With a free floated barrel in the sporterized and the new rings it shot great. Question was how would affect the accuracy when I mated it to the MIL-spec stock.

 

[Gustav]

Always good to see an old warhorse get a second wind or chance in life.

What is amazing is how well some of those O3's will do when massaged or worked over that combined with handloading or finding the best factory ammo and you have a rifle that will for practical ranges run with most of whats out there and unlike a commercial sporter it oozes history while doing it.

 

[DMK]

That's a thing of beauty. You have good reason to be proud of it.

 

[Eightball]

Beautiful rifle--improved on the original without butchering the essence of the thing.

Mind if I ask a question? How much did all of this cost?

 

[cortez kid]

I'm also in the process of a project 1903. A local dealer talked me into taking a parade rifle and turning it into a functioning gun. I have all the parts necessary to make it work, either home or on order. I've seen the one he just finished and I'm resonably impressed. So far under $500. An unissued original GI stock would kick it up to close to $800.
kid
PS It's a Smith Corona, but I haven't found were to put the ribbon

 

[cortez kid]

By the way. That is a beautiful rifle! You've got alot to be proud of.
kid

 

[lencac]

Thanks much guys. Cortez check out this link for the stock. I have gotten two of them now. One for the 03 in the pics and the other for an 03A3 I built also. The quality is superb. C-type wide grip. $169
http://www.e-gunparts.com/DisplayAd.asp?chrProductSKU=985010&chrSuperSKU=&MC=

 

[JTW Jr.]

thats my kinda rifle , combining new and old. Its got the looks , its got the accuracy , you done real well with that one .

 

[cortez kid]

lencac, thanx for the link. That's a sharp looking stock. About a hundred bucks cheaper too. I'm gonna consider it, hard
kid