'03 Stock Work Help

Can anyone offer any advice on how to cut a 1903A4 type bolt notch into a standard '03 scant stock? I'm pretty good working with wood but even after reviewing many photographs of A4 stocks I haven't been able to come up with a good approach to this part of my project. Like many others I am building a 1903A4 replica from a previously sporterized (drilled and tapped) '03. For quite some time I considered purchasing the Gibbs replica but didn't have the heart to purchase an '03 that had been modified with Chinese parts. I am also looking for advice on modify (shaving down the wood) on a new '03 hand guard so it fits inside the metal hand guard ring.

Semper Fi,

GeigerTiger
hunden1775@comcast.net

I've used a dremil to do both. My bolt notch wasn't made to look like an original, because it's for a clone. I used inletting ink and took out a little at a time. No ChuckinDenver job, but it's functional. The bolt is an original A4.https://www.milsurps.com/images/imported/deleted.gif[/QUOTE][/IMG]

Thanks for the reply MikeD and nice job on the stock. Mine will only be for a clone as well but I if I botch it up it will bother me every time I handle the rifle. Does anyone know of another approach? Should I use a hand file of a particular shape or should I use a router?

Semper Fi,

GeigerTiger
hunden1775@comcast.net

Hand files (round/rattail) and a sharp pocket knife. Power tools will get away from you and you WILL botch it up. Go slow, blacken the bottom of the bolt handle and remove wood where the black transfers to.

Good Luck,

Emri

There is a lengthy thread on the CMP 03 forum from a member that just completed a scoped "03A4 clone" (incorrect scope just trying to build something for the sniper matches). He just added some pictures of his finished rifle today. There is a detail of his bolt cut and though I dont know if it matches an original A4 cut it looks very professional. Perhaps that may help you with your project.

Many thanks for all the replies and good information. I ended up using a gouge and a round file to make the cut and it didn’t turn out bad at all. The cut is a little long and I took away too much wood near the receiver but that’s ok. It definitely won’t be mistaken for an original. I’m finished with the project now and I am very satisfied. I can’t wait to shoot it and to check for accuracy. In the end it cost about the same as a Gibbs clone but I’m much happier knowing I brought a sporterized ’03 back to life (with an original barrel) and all the parts are American made. The rifle started as this:
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...08202010-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...8202010b-1.jpg

And now it looks like this:

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...DSC_2348-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...DSC_2349-1.jpg

Semper Fi,
GeigerTiger

GT,
Now that is one fine looking weapon, Marine! :)

Stock cut for bolt is incorrect an the bolt handle has incorrect configuration.

I took the rifle to the range yesterday and I believe it held a nice group. See picture below. Can anyone recommend a particular brand of (factory manufactured) ammunition that might work even better in a Remington 4 grove barrel?

Semper Fi,

GeigerTiger

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...10162010-1.jpg

Geiger,
I don't have many pearls of wisdom for you on loading.
As you probably know, some bullet weights seem to run better, along with certain manufacturers.
I look forward to an experts opinion... and what you wring out of your rifle!