Springfield 1903 Sporter Question

[mgmorden]

The scope is mounted WAY too high. Ruins the cheek weld of the 60’s style thumb hole stock.
A lower set of scope rings would partially fix that.

If you'll notice the bolt handle on the OP's rifle hasn't been bent beyond the original factory contour. Without getting it forged down (or cut and a new handle welded on) you can put a scope on a 1903 but it has to be in some really high rings to clear the bolt handle.

 

[Barnfixer]

Never noticed the scope hight but it does look high. I’ll check that out when I get a chance. The LOP is pretty much standard and felt good when I fit the receiver to the stock. I didn’t think I’d like the thumb hole style stock but that felt great also.

 

[Ugly Sauce]

It’s NOT the way I’d have done it.

The scope is mounted WAY too high. Ruins the cheek weld of the 60’s style thumb hole stock.
A lower set of scope rings would partially fix that.
The coyote brown metal and polished bolt clashes with the classic Springfield action and blued striker.
A black semi-gloss cerracoat would have been a better choice, IMO.
That stock LOP is WAAAY too long too, unless of course the new custodian is 6’8” tall.

But, the barrel muzzle clean up seems to have been successful.

I still prefer the O3-A3 as it came from Springfield.View attachment 1111044 View attachment 1111045 View attachment 1111046

Shot at 9:30 was first shot sighter. 100yds from bench.
155gr A-max, Federal brass, CCI 200 primers, 48.0gr H4895. 3.330” OAL.
(My M1 match load)
First 5-shots on the way home from CMP-South after purchase!

Well, the rifle in question isn't my cup-O-tea either, but if it rings the owner's bell, that's okay.

Now your O3A3 on the other hand...!!! I have it's twin sister and love that rifle. I've shot two Appleseeds with it, (with the M1 "match load") and when I was still taking a cartridge rifle bear hunting on rare occasion, it was either the Springfield O3A3 or the Trapdoor Carbine.

My rifle was purchased from the NRA by my father in law when he mustered out of the Army. I even have that paper work.

My M1 "match load" is the same as yours, (almost, 48.5 grains) but I prefer a 150 grain FMJBT in both the M1 and the O3A3.. For hunting with the O3A3 I shoot a 180 grain RNSP.

 

[wcwhitey]

I agree with the scope being to high. I did not know about the bolt throw being a problem. Overall it’s kinda cool. Would certainly make a nice field piece. Good luck. Let us know how it shoots and if the cheek weld is a problem.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Never noticed the scope hight but it does look high. I’ll check that out when I get a chance. The LOP is pretty much standard and felt good when I fit the receiver to the stock. I didn’t think I’d like the thumb hole style stock but that felt great also.

It's...um, different, to be sure!
Still, since it was already modded, why not?
I take it you guys did the research on high/ low numbered receivers before the work was done?
I do love me some 03s.

 

[GooseGestapo]

My M1 "match load" is the same as yours, (almost, 48.5 grains) but I prefer a 150 grain FMJBT in both the M1 and the O3A3.. For hunting with the O3A3 I shoot a 180 grain RNSP.[/QUOTE]

I’ve used the 150gr FMJ’s too.
I only use them for practice and plinking. Hornady’s are the best I’ve tried but are 1.5moa at best. I shot an M1 match with them at CMP Talladega, but dropped 10 points below what I shoot with a match bullet. Currently I’m using some Speer 168gr BTHPT on sale for $26/100. They’re “almost” as accurate as the 155gr Amax, maybe 3/4moa. At least that’s what they’ll do from my REM M700 .308 20” HB tactical. The Amax in the .308 seated to touch the rifling will make a ragged hole (0.5moa perhaps). (46.5gr ShootersWorld Precision Rifle- very close to H4895...).

 

[Nature Boy]

Offfhand probably has several beautiful examples.

Paging @Offfhand

 

[Ugly Sauce]

My M1 "match load" is the same as yours, (almost, 48.5 grains) but I prefer a 150 grain FMJBT in both the M1 and the O3A3.. For hunting with the O3A3 I shoot a 180 grain RNSP.

I’ve used the 150gr FMJ’s too.
I only use them for practice and plinking. Hornady’s are the best I’ve tried but are 1.5moa at best. I shot an M1 match with them at CMP Talladega, but dropped 10 points below what I shoot with a match bullet. Currently I’m using some Speer 168gr BTHPT on sale for $26/100. They’re “almost” as accurate as the 155gr Amax, maybe 3/4moa. At least that’s what they’ll do from my REM M700 .308 20” HB tactical. The Amax in the .308 seated to touch the rifling will make a ragged hole (0.5moa perhaps). (46.5gr ShootersWorld Precision Rifle- very close to H4895...).[/QUOTE]

Yes my accuracy standards are below yours as I don't shoot in any kind of competition. I used to shoot the Amax bullets in my 6.5 Swede, those are wonderful bullets. Haven't shot an Appleseed for years, not sure if they even still have them. So if I do take the O3A3 out, it would be for some kind of hunting, or trekking with the 180 grain round noses. The M1 will just be on stand-by in case the men from Mars ever attack, with the FMJBT loads. !!! (although it is time to get it out for some plinking/practice and re-familiarization with the rifle)

 

[Offfhand]

Earlier in this thread, Mr. StrawHat mentioned some ot the custom gun craftmen of yesterday. R.F. Sedgley being one of those legendary custom gunmakers whose classic '03 conversions are now considered works of art. Look closely at the razor edge action inletting in one of following pics, he did not "free float" barrels.

 

[Ugly Sauce]

There should be a forum rule against posting pics of Sedgley rifles. Although, in general, I prefer box-stock Springfields, I believe I'd crawl at least seven miles over broken beer bottles to have something like that. Heck, I'd have to put my muzzle loaders away and hunt with it. Dang.

Do you own that rifle?

 

[MarshallDodge]

I have to say, I'm sorry to see that. The earth-colored Ceracoating (if that's what it is), and the thumbhole stock, don't look right on that vintage a rifle. If they couldn't have gone with traditional bluing, even Parkerizing would have been better. But what's done is done, and after all it's their rifle. But sad. (And I can't imagine what they paid for this.)

It isn't my preference either but maybe that's how the shooter wanted his rifle to be. He didn't destroy or damage anything and the cerakote will hold up better than bluing or parkerizing would.