Remington 1903

[myflatline]

Attachment 18899I finally decided to put together this 1903. It had been stored in a foot locker by my father for eons. Unfortunately the stock had been wrapped in newspaper and is in pretty bad shape. Some parts were missing, such as trigger guard ( bought on on GB ) butt plate and barrel rings so far that I know of

Whats your thoughts of putting this on a composite stock with a S&K rear site scope mount to be used as a hunting rifle. I'm not a collector but don't really want to degrade it.

Jim

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[myflatline]

Another Pic

Attachment 18901

[daveboy]

If you are looking for a hunting rifle, you can buy a new purpose-made hunting rifle for much less than what it will cost to outfit this one. Not only that, but you have to ask yourself what condition is the bore? What is the headspace? Is it safe to shoot? You won't have these questions with a new rifle.

If you are looking for a rifle to build up or tinker with there are many surplus rifles on the market that have much less collectibility (hence they are worth less) than the '03. If you screw one of them up then you haven't hurt a whole lot.

In the end, it is your rifle to do with as you wish. But in my opinion (that's what you want isn't it?) if you are going to "build it", then build it into what it once was--a fine military rifle not a hunting arm.

daveboy

[snell]

Check this link and and do a search for 30/06 Savage:

Bolt Action Rifles - Bolt Action Rifles For Sale at GunBroker.com



Almost any of them will be cheaper then getting that old soldier into hunting shape. A high number 1903 (like yours) is coveted as a collectable shooter by many of us. It would be much more suitable ( again, my opinion) to treat the Springfield like the heirloom it is and spend you money on a dedicated hunter.

Art

PS the Savages, while being relatively inexpensive, have a well deserved reputation for great out of the box accuracy too.

[myflatline]

I guess my thoughts were:
Not modifing the gun so that it could not be returned to its original condition ie: scope mount if ever desired
Aftermarket stock with no modifications to the barrel or reciever

Not having all the original parts I didn't think it would be that collectable.
Dave mentioned the barrel ( pristene ) and the head gap ( not sure ) but I remember it being wrapped in grease paper when I was a child ( 50 years ago ) . Just 1 of the many things the old man brought home when he got out.

I'm really not a bolt fan it was just an idea

Jim

[Mike D]

There are lots of old cut-down military stocks out there. You can pick one up for $20-30, easily. A cheap A3 triggerguard, $20. I believe the no-D&T scope mount might be $50-60, not sure. Then you just need a scope.

If you restore to "original" condition, your looking at around $300-350, if the parts already on it are "original".

Restore to "rebuilt" military config, and it will still be $200.

If you do go cheap, and make it into a hunting rifle, use the no D&T mount, and you can always change your mind.

[Rick the Librarian]

I think, with a little patience, a restoration to military might be done. The barreled receiver still has the rear sight and base and looks nice. If it were mine, I think I'd give it a try.

[myflatline]

Thanks for the input

[DaveN]

you mentioned the original stock was wrapped in news paper and in bad shape. there are alot of people here that would consider it a great challenge if it stood a chance to be restored. Post some pictures and see what they think.

[tomwatts]

But have you considered selling or trading it for a hunting gun.

Some of us may be interested?

I buy these all the time. I currently have two 1918 barreled receivers I am working on restoring and three other 03 03A3 receivers pending re-barreling. All to be restored as close to original military as I can get.

Just saying.

Cheers
Tom