NEW TO 1903's

[STYER]

Hi Guys.
I am pretty new to 1903 rifles and have come across a sporterized one. Got it for a little bit of nothing and thought I would try to return it to somewhat of an original configuration. Can anyone tell from this picture if the rear sight base has been modified and if so can it be fixed? What parts are missing and how much should I expect to pay for them? Also, what stock should this rifle have? (pistol grip,strait stock,or something else?) Thanks in advance for any help!!! This is a great forum.

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[John Beard]

I can't be certain, but your rear sight base appears to be original and intact. I see no modifications.

You need two parts for your rear sight: (1) A windage screw assembly, and (2) a complete rear sight assembly. You should be able to acquire both for around $40.

We need to know the serial number to identify the correct stock for your rifle. In any event, you can purchase a nice newly-manufactured Type C pistol grip stock from the CMP for $165, complete with handguard. That's a deal which is hard to beat.

Hope this helps. Good Luck!

J.B.

[mark1]

Does the barrel have the military front sight configuration. Also is ther a manufacture (i.e. RS, SA) and a date on the barrel?

[Lancebear]

Hey Styer,

This is THE forum for '03's. Where else can you get the best advise from the world's foremost authorities on the Springfield rifle (Not one of them, but they have taught me a lot)? They like doin' it, and gratis to boot.

Anyway, your best bet is to post good photos of all of your metal parts. Shot of the muzzle markings, one of the receiver markings, buttplate and floor plate and trigger guard. A shot of the rear of the receiver and bolt also. You will then get all of the straight dope you will need for your project. And probably sources for parts that you need.

Good luck,

Lancebear

[STYER]

Thanks guys for the insight. Here are some of the pictures LANCEBEAR suggested I post. Sorry if they are not perfect. I am trying to learn more about computers as well as 1903's. The serial number is 1094113. The barrel is marked S.A. with a flamming bomb and 12-18 underneath it. My main questions are: Are there any parts that don't belong on this?
What parts are missing?
What stock belongs with this rifle?
Is there any reason I can't return this rifle to it's
original configuration?
The blueing is kind of poor but the bore is shinny and strong.
THANKS A HEAP!!!!! (If there are any more pictures that would help, let me know.)

[Chuckindenver]

bolt, triggerguard, and front sight are from a 1903A3, and not right for the barreled receiver,
trigger guard is likely from a drill rifle, {gold paint}
at this point. any GI stock would be ok,,a nice C stock from sarco or the CMP would be great..as you have a shooter..
still missing a few other parts, but they can be located,. NOT FROM SARCO.
avoid the 03 parts kit they sell. nothing but crap.

[Lancebear]

Hey Styer,

The metal surfaces on your rifle and bore condition seem good enough for the rifle to be worthy of restoration. Did some searches on your serial number and barrel. You may have an original barreled receiver. The general rule is a barrel marked three months before the receiver was struck, is an original arsenal match. Your pair are maybe close to the yardstick. Receiver struck in maybe March 1919 and a 12-18 barrel.

Made a list of the parts that you need to return your sporter back to original military configuration. No one vendor has them all except two that you should avoid. Numrich and Sarco.

You need about twenty five parts. Don't let that scare you if you really want to do the project. Most of what you need are screws and small cheap parts, except for wood, an upper band which I couldn't find, same for lower band. Did find triggerguards. Many different prices.

Found almost all the parts that you will need except for about five or so and estimated the prices.

Searched Bill Ricca's site (A member here, and only sells G.I. parts), Cole Distributors, Popperts, and Chestnut Ridge.

Came up with a sum total of $307.00 including probably an old G.I. stock from Popperts, and would call them about condition.

Should you choose a new "C" stock from Sarco, have heard they are good, the price without reparking of your barreled receiver would be about $417.00.

Don't know what Chuck in Denver charges for a park job, but have read here many times that he does great work.

So...if you got the rifle for a song, makin' it right, and then only a shooter, guessin' it might cost you $500.00 unless you don't get it refinished.

Just gettin' the parts and puttin' them together yourself with the cheap stock, around $307.00. And some shipping charges.

Good luck,

Lancebear

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Styer,

Personal opinion on source for parts, but I'd start with Bill Ricca. He's very helpful, honest, and responsive. He may even have some parts you will need that are not listed on his web site. Some may be scratched, pitted or something and he'll tell you honestly what he has. His prices are competitive and you can trust they are authentic.

You'll have a great time with this project!

[STYER]

Thanks to CHUCKINDENVER, LANCEBEAR, and CAFDFW!!!!!!! Looks like I came to the right spot for help. Even better than I expected.
LANCEBEAR, does the original barrel/ receiver combination make it much more valuable??? (Not that it matters, I never sell the guns I own but just wondering.) STYER

[stonewall56]

Tim Shufflin at http//:Home Page does great parkerizing at a good price.