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Found a 1903A4 (legit) with some minor issues I'm looking to restore. Pics in the next day or so. One need is a new stock. It has a chopped pistol grip (C?) stock remnant on it. A scant stock appears to be OK as a replacement from what I've seen and I found a 1903 with a scant stock today that could be donor if the stock will work.
Are the 1903 & 1903A3 stocks the same?
Here's some pics and details: s/n 341xxxx puts it in the correct range for 1943 production and the "split bridge" markings along with the bolt and scope mount were what I went by to satisfy myself it was the real deal.
Good so far, but there's a few issues: barrel cut back about 1.5" (this is the only real issue as I see it, and it can be overcome just will require a gunsmith and time to hunt down an appropriate barrel. Barrel dated 7-43,
but as I understand a 7,8, or 9-43 barrel would be OK too. The stock has been chopped and needs replacing. And it needs a scope and rings. The whole thing has a uniform dull blue appearance to it.
1. If I can't find a "correct" NOS barrel, can a barrel be removed from a 1903A3 and be used without any issue aside from removing the front sight base. NOW HOLD ON THERE, I'm not advocating the destruction of another good rifle. I found a National Ordnance 1903A3, which is a commercial rifle, that has a Remington barrel that looks nice. I could put a repro barrel back on the NO rifle and it wouldn't hurt the value of it.
2. Will a 1903 scant stock fit this? Correct? It appears to have a been a point of some debate.
I live not far from Anniston and plan on letting CMP do the rebarreling as it would seem they should know what they are doing.
The National Ordnance isn't worth rebarreling so make sure you get it "cheap" they're not easy to even sell. A 7-43 barrel will be hard to find not so much on the 8 or 9-43, those are still around. As far as the stock, not going to be cheap, I would actually get ahold of stockdoc, he's on several of the forums and see if he can restore yours (I think he can). I've seen a few folks do this same repair and they look great. Since you have the C and correct bolt cut I think it would be worth it. By the way a scant is not incorrect, there are plenty to be had but not cheap any more and A4 will be just as tough a find. I've found that most A4 stocks that are for sale are that way for a reason, most are sacked out and incapable of maintaining muzzle pressure and accuracy so look them over closely and see if there is a return option.
This one has only the action remaining so you're basicly starting from there...building a rifle from the action out. Then you need to find an optic and rings too... I'd think buying a correct rifle would be better unless this is to be a shooter, it'll never be correct after. The overall cost could be prohibitive.