Is this a viable restoration project?

[LW2962]

I picked up a sporterized Remington 1903-A3 for very little money. My thoughts are to get it back into an original stock (more visually appealing to me). A couple of things I noticed is the butt plate has been shaved on one side to match the contour of the stock and the '03-A3 rear sight is missing parts.

My question is why does my '03-A3 have an '03 rear sight in addition to the '03-A3 rear sight? The serial number of the '03-A3 receiver is 4127122 and the barrel has the familiar Remington markings and a 1 - 42 date. The front sight has a hood covering it with Remington markings.

Information

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[browningautorifle]

The buttplate won't be that big a deal to sort out but you have a row to hoe changing it back. The barrel has been altered for the 1903 sight or it's a 1903 barrel which isn't right for an '03/A3...stock and hardware...rear sight parts... Unless you just want it to represent an '03/A3 and the exact parts don't matter to you?

[m1903rifle]

You will need a Remington M1903a3 barrel ( to replace the M1903 Remington barrel ), a Remington M1903a3 stock, a M1903a3 hand guard, a M1903a3 butt plate, a set of M1903a3 bands, a set of parts for the M1903a3 rear sight, and ( if you can't do it yourself ), about $150.00 to get the barrels changed out. I think all that will add up to about $500.00. So, if you are into the rifle for about $150.00, it would be a viable project.

[LW2962]

I like a challenge and prefer to have the correct parts.

---------- Post added at 07:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:32 PM ----------

You will need a Remington M1903a3 barrel ( to replace the M1903 Remington barrel ), a Remington M1903a3 stock, a M1903a3 hand guard, a M1903a3 butt plate, a set of M1903a3 bands, a set of parts for the M1903a3 rear sight, and ( if you can't do it yourself ), about $150.00 to get the barrels changed out. I think all that will add up to about $500.00. So, if you are into the rifle for about $150.00, it would be a viable project.

I like this idea. I am in it currently for $100. I began searching for the needed items. It seems that many of the parts will require purchases from a multiple locations. Any recommendations regarding websites where I might purchase these items?

[browningautorifle]

You can work with the WTB/WTT section here. There's lots of parts in these people's basements and work shops. Then they can also help make sure you have the correct parts as you go. You'll be able to trade the ones you don't need...perhaps.

[Chuckindenver]

this picture made my head hurt..
1903 barrel, installed on a 1903A3..barrel cut down 1/2 inch..in a sporter stock...
wow.