2 groove barrels versus 4 groove barrels?

[kennethf]

Hi everyone, I found this site through the Cast Boolits site. I have an interest in learning more about military rifles, 1903 Springfield in paticular.

I would like to get some thoughts and opinions on 2 groove barrels versus 4 groove barrels. I have aquired a sporterized 03 that needs to have the barrel replaced because the one that is on it is pitted too badly to shoot cast boolits cleanly. I have found a new replacement Remington barrel that is marked "1944" and is 2 groove. Would this barrel be a good choice to have installed on my new rifle, or do you think it would be better to wait until I find a 4 groove barrel for my new old Sprinfield?

Thanks, Ken.

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[Midmichigun]

Ken,
I am sure an expert will weigh in here shortly.
My take on it, is that you need to be sure of which barrel you need, a 1903 or a 1903A3. The A3 can be made to work in the 03 with some work, due to some minor differences.
I am under the impression from my research, that some A4's used 2 groove barrels, and that the Military was ok with the 2 groove choice... and that accuracy was "unaffected".
As I mentioned, an expert may weigh in to correct me.

[Calif-Steve]

You want to put an '03-A3 barrel on an '03. Correct? Not cheap and not easy plus you end up with the wrong barrel on the right rifle. No collector value, by the way. You need to locate Chuckindenver and get his help.

[kennethf]

Steve, the receiver is marked Springfield 1903, SN 893373 and the new barrel is dated 1944. Then you are saying that they may not be compatable?

Ken

[Curator]

The barrel will screw into the action but there is no provision for fitting the '03s rear sight since the 03-A3 has the rear sight on the rear action bridge. Other than that, a 2-groove barrel will shoot cast boolits just fine. In fact it may be a bit more accurate that the 4-groove military barrels for cast. With jacketed bullets both are about the same.

[Calif-Steve]

You will need a new/near new '03 rear sight base. The base needs to be professionally installed. You simply do not pound one on, OK? The barrel must be slightly turned and the base needs to fit properly. You will need a gunsmith who has done this job once or twice. The barrel will fit OK, but is the wrong barrel. Try to find Chuckindenver, he can guide this project.

[Griff Murphey]

Yeah but if it is a sporter it may have a receiver sight or scope already... he may not care if it has a rear sight base... in fact, he may not want one.

[Chuckindenver]

if this is a sporterized rifle, a standard A3 barrel will work just fine, i have a few used and new 2 groove barrels available. contact me outside the forum if you like.