1903 barrels

[Dollar Bill]

I just got a 1903 Springfield S/N 132XXXX that was sporterized. The barrel is service length with the original front sight and rear sight base still installed. The barrel, dated 7-29, looks like it was turned down with a hacksaw, though. Is this typical for the finish on a barrel then? I have a 1903A3 and a 1903A3 barrel that is unfired, still in cosmoline, and they both have at least a smooth finish.

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[John Beard]

I just got a 1903 Springfield S/N 132XXXX that was sporterized. The barrel is service length with the original front sight and rear sight base still installed. The barrel, dated 7-29, looks like it was turned down with a hacksaw, though. Is this typical for the finish on a barrel then? I have a 1903A3 and a 1903A3 barrel that is unfired, still in cosmoline, and they both have at least a smooth finish.

The finish on barrels after WWI varies widely. Some do indeed look like they were turned down with a hacksaw.

And the same is true for '03-A3 barrels! Having two smooth ones is purely coincidental.

J.B.

[sdkrag]

I have a 1929 dated 03 with a star gauge. It is rough as a cob onthe outside. Shoots like a million bucks though. Be one of thae last I would part with.

[Dollar Bill]

Thanks, gents. The previous owner has it set up as a target rifle, the bore looks good, so I'm going to slug it and find out if it'll shoot. It's getting a new CMP stock set and a Lyman 17 up front and a 48S in the back (it's already drilled with a Redfield sight). That's why I got this one in particular. Wanted one for CBA modified sight matches but wasn't about to drill a receiver that's original.

[RicinYakima]

$bill,

Watch your hole spacing before you spend a lot of money on a Lyman 48. Not all Redfield receiver sights have the same spacing and the holes may not be in the right place on the receiver.

Good luck on your CBA shooting!

Ric

[Dollar Bill]

I lucked out, Ric. I already have the Lyman sight and the rifle came in - spacing matches. The only problem now is the bore, which looked good in the pics, does'nt look so great. I'm trying to clean it up and see how it slugs. Looking for a replacement barrel but they are tough to find in good shape. Sarco had some but they are gone now.

[Art]

Since the reciever is D&T'd you might think about getting an '03A3 barrel and barrel guard. It gives a smoother look. You could still use the '03 upper and lower bands.

[Chuckindenver]

i have a couple barrels, though not cheap..