1903 Mark1 rebuild to WW2 cofiguration

[labrat1469]

Since i got back into C&R collecting I picked up a few projects for restoration. Why do I want to restore a Mark 1 to WW2 configuration? Stamped on the rear sight band is "PBS-7-44". After a few hours of google-fu i found out that it meant Peninsular Base Section headquartered in Naples Italy. This Mark 1 has been refurbished more than once in its life time. Once when 1903's were rebuilt and salvaged and rebuilt in 1944. All of the Mark 1 parts have been replaced with standard 1903 parts. The bolt is a 1942 R2 bolt. The bad part was it was drilled and tapped for a scope. The holes have been filled and peened. Is there a way the re stamp the receiver?

I try to start collecting WW1 weapons and picked up another WW2 refurbish. The other one is a 1918 Model 1917 with a JA barrel..

Information

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[pickax]

Why would you want do do that? It is what it is, with history intact with the current stamps.
Shoot it and enjoy it for what it is.

[labrat1469]

Why restore a variant of a 69 Cobra Mustang with a 428 that they made less than 120,000 of. You can drive it as is. A 50 year old POS that needs a major overhaul or you can restore it to the street demon that it once. I use the process of restoring a weapon to gain the knowledge about the rifle but also learn the history of that rifle. They made millions of the standard 1903 while a 1903 Mark 1 is rare because they made around 110,000 and only for about 2 years. Researching the variations of the 1903 Springfield rifle will make your head hurt... Oh trust me I will shoot it. Along with the other restored WW2 rifles in my collection.

[rcathey]

The bad part was it was drilled and tapped for a scope. The holes have been filled and peened. Is there a way the re stamp the receiver?

I collect nice 1903 sporters but don’t like scoped rifles...so I’ve toyed with this same idea.
I think the best chance of matching the existing stamping would be a talented engraver. I suspect this wouldn’t be cheap even for a few letters. Probably a couple hundred dollars.

Maybe someone like Turnbull would have some thoughts? I should reach out.

[browningautorifle]

1903 Mark1 rebuild to WW2 cofiguration

Got pics of this one?

[labrat1469]

This is how I bought it
https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...727_153356.jpg

The offending holes...
https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag..._164153_01.jpg

What I have do so far
https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...906_193019.jpg
https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...915_163224.jpg
https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...915_163209.jpg
I'm trying to make it looked like it was just picked up from the battlefield