Opinions on my 1903 Mark I

dirtytwo,
I agree with RBruce. Any 2 groove barrel is for a 03A3 and your rear sight base won't fit on it without modifications. If you really just want a shooter, I'd go with a new CMP barrel.

+2 on the trying to use an A3 barrel, if that's what you meant.

I'd also say check with Chuck for an 03 barrel. His prices are good and he'll install it for cheap too.

Thanks again for all the advice, I didn't realize that an 03A3 barrel won't fit, so I'll look for a period one.

Kirk, the crown is OK, and I now see that FMJs with boat tails don't work well with a worn bore, but I think this one is pretty far gone to be fixed with a flat-based M2 type ball bullet. There's even a 1/8" ring of powder fouling on the inside of the bore touching the crown. But it has such a nice action with a trigger that rivals the feel of my Swiss K-31 that it would be a shame not to re-barrel and hit the range again!

I completely agree with you dirtytwo. 1903's are my favorite of all, and I think you should get a new barrel so you can appreciate how accurate they really are.

I apologize I didn't even notice you are a new member here. Welcome to the forum!

I recommended you check with Chuck, as if you knew who he is. His user name here is chuckindenver and you can contact him with a PM if you want to check if he has a good 1903 barrel.
(I used to have his email, but can't find it) You can send him a PM here - Military Surplus Collectors Forums

I've done business with Chuck and he really knows what he's doing with these old guns, and not everyone really does these days. His prices for parts and work are about as cheap as you'll find anywhere. He'll probably have a bolt too and he'd make sure it head spaced correctly and have everything ready for some safe accurate shooting.

~ Harlan