03a3 and the S&K scope mount

I'm hoping someone that has the S&K mount on their 03a3 can help me out a bit.

I got my sporterized 03a3 from my grandfather, and would like to put a scope on it. My goal is to not modify any of the metal parts, (no D/T, not grinding the safety, bolt, etc), but don't mind modifying the sporter stock.

I bought the S&K mount in the hopes I could achieve this goal. When I put the front mount clamp in place I found that when it was closed as much as possible, the ring was still loose on the gun. Not very much, but just enough so I can easily slip it on and off. This didn't seem right to me, I expected it to clamp down snugly.

Has anyone else had this issue?

Secondly, it is a late '43 build and so the rear sight mount does not have a set screw, but two indents instead. I actually found this site while trying to figure out how to remove the rear sight without destroying it. How difficult is it to get a replacement rear sight if I destroy this one getting it off? I probably won't use the mount if I can't easily restore the rifle parts, as that kind of defeats my goals.

thanks all,
dave

The S&K mount should clamp on the front of the receiver. I measured the ring on my S&K and it is 1.3" inside diameter. It should fit snugly, but you might have to use a thin metal shim. Rear sights are available. Yours is probably staked. Use a soft metal drift on both front and rear sides of the sight to slowly move it over. Some sights come of better one way or the other. Try both, and choose the one that works best.

I really like my 03A3 S&K mount, you will probably need to deepen the stock area around the front trigger guard bolt, to fit the S&K ring in place.

The only down side of the 03A3 mount on the military cofiguration, is the handguard must be modified to fit, or left off. :(

I have two handguards, one for each configuration. :thup:

I think if the S&K people really tried to design a new mount model they could support the military configuration, probably not enough demand? :(

Good Luck

Which scopes do you guys use? S&K said you need to keep the ocular diameter < 40mm to avoid having issues with the safety, and the bolt. Just curious as to what you chose.

I'm having issues getting the rear sight off, but have an appointment with a local gunsmith to see if he can get it off without damaging the gun/sight.

thanks,
dave

I can't really provide much on scope choices, I am really hard on scopes, so I most always buy cheap for my 03 plinkers (ah I mean shooters).

I have a number of Barska's and even some Tasco. They all get the job done, and stand up to the recoil. For the money that's all I ask for my 03's. About the <40mm thing, I tried a Barska Huntmaster Pro 3-12x50; and it was hopeless, a shame, it looked nice on the gun!:o

Now on my black guns, I spend and I spend on scopes...mostly custom military manufactures, which while they would work on an 03, would look too modern weird for me.:yikes:

Cheers

Are they still making these? Do you guys got pics of yours mounted?

We installed the SK mount on an old 1920 sporterized Springfield 1903 and it went very well. There are supposed to be two length of screws for mounting the blocks but they were the same. We trimmed one down. I have an old Springfield S stock that was warped and although I cut and straightened it, it's never going to be worth a lot, I'm going to put the 1920 in it and don't mind cutting a hole for the front ring screw. I'll also have to cut back a hand guard for it but I have a couple laying around for that. As it is now in the sporter stock, it's a very solid mount and we have a mid line Redfield scope on it. It shoots fantastic and hopefully will do as well in the S stock.

Kurt

Nice. Do you have any pictures? What kind of groups have you gotten. I would bet it could be a tack driver with the right load, eh? Well, close to a tack driver.

1943 four groove
Bedded and floated
No trigger work (Yet)
Also now wheres a CMP stock
Not to worry, Bipod is only setting under it for the photo-op

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...edReady1-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...cture050-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...K4553031-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...cture049-1.jpg

Very very very nice. Nice shooting too. I have to admit though. I'm a 5 shot snob. It just seems like a better indicator of accuracy. I'm not sure if it's all that necessary though. Some say 10 is the best, but I usually stick with 5. Part of my thinking is the more rounds I shoot, the more chances I will screw up. But I guess that's part of the game. I haven't done too much benchresting lately, but would like to get back into it. I find it very relaxing and a lot of fun. And a challenge. Some days are good, some days are not so good. But I don't handload either. So....

Anyways.... it is a very nice set up. Beautiful. Is that an old weaver on there????????

My Dad has a sporterized Mauser in .30-06 and it has a Weaver K4 on it. It would look lovely on my O3A3. hehehehehe I doubt he'll give it up though.

Hylander,
Nice job on that gun! Did you notch the rear hand-guard to fit under the edge of the scope mount? We are getting 3/4 groups at 100 yds using a hand load I worked up using 4831 SC and 150 gr. Sierra match grade JHBT bullets. Not bad for an original barrel.

Kurt

Thanks Guys :) Barrel is original 4 groove that was pristien when I got the rifle
I don't usually shoot 5 shot groups because I am financially challanged :(
But if you notice, target 1 was shot with a cold clean barrel, then I proceeded to shoot several groups of different loads with a different powder and bullet looking for another accurate load.
After about 20 more or so rounds I shot target 3 to see where I was with a warm and dirty barrel, if you over lap target 1 and target 3 you get a sub .5" MOA group

I cut the handgaurd to fit flush with the mount, I used an extra handguard not the original.
Scope is the old weaver 3-9

That is actually a really good system. I applaud you on that. I never thought of it. Plus, you know if you are a hunter, it's about the first 3 shots that count anyways. With the first one being the most important. I very rarely went over 3 shots hunting deer. Maybe a few times. But as you said, it's a good system to use the same exact target and then overlap so you can see how it does all in all. Thanks for the tip!!! I'm not sure how a sniper would feel about it. And I'm sure there are times when they shot multiple rounds. In fact I know there are instances like that. And I suppose a heavy barrel would help then. But I do remember reading Mr. Hathcock saying that the winchester he used in vietnam wasn't necessarily the best grouping gun he could've chose. But he said it was always where he wanted it on the first shot. I guess that would be an important thing.

Hylander, do you use any sort of pad on the stock to get a decent cheek weld or do you just go with the chin weld?