1903A3 Sight Installation

Long time lurker here finally with a question. I recently aquired an old friends 1903A3. He was in the process of building up a shooter and probalby just got the stock fit before he passed. So I have a rifle that needs both front and rear sights installed and the stocked finished. I did a search and did not get a satisfactory answer to the following questions; what is the best way to install the rear sight? I found a guy selling a tool on ebay that he stated would install the rear sight with no problems. Is there a prefered direction to install the front sight blade pin (I did find something like remove pin L to R and install R to L)? And finally do I need to leave the sight blade installation for last as the front band looks like will not pass with it on? And yes when it is finished I will be posting picture. The rifle may or may not be historically significant or correct or original but I don't care as it came from a good friend who knew both me and my son who ultimately will receive this rifle. Its nice to have a legacy who understands why we have certain firearms.

Thank you
Bill

Hello Bill.. :)

Does this article in the MKL help?

Springfield 03A3 Rear Sight Removal and Replacement (click here)

You also might want to try our Google CSE custom search engine located in the top right corner below the words "Advanced Search". It only searches our site using Google techniques and can be quite efficient. For example, in your case, type in the words 1903 rear sight install and see what happens ..

Regards,
Doug

Yes sir it does, thank you. I will try the search function for front sight blade installation.

Follow up question now that I have the rifle apart. The front handguard does not have metal clips. Is this a concern? I see some handguards have them and some do not. Still learning about my A3.

Thanks again
Bill

The M'03-A3 front sight pin has a slight taper and is installed from right-to-left. The bands must be installed before installing the sight or blade.

The M'03-A3 rear sight also installs from right-to-left. The rear sight can be installed with a large punch and hammer. The punch must be carefully positioned at the bend of the ears and tapped alternately on both sides to keep from bending the ears. Be sure and loosen the set screw first, if it has one.

All authentic M'03-A3 handguards have metal clips. Absence of the clips indicates that you have a reproduction. But the clips serve only to keep the handguard from falling apart if it cracks. So, the clips are not essential outside of combat.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

Thanks everyone for the help. Pics will follow when I am done with the refinish

Bill