Saved Another One

A friend of mine has had a Remington '03 for over last forty years. For the last twenty five years or so, I have been trying to acquire it from him. It was sporterized back in the day by the people he got it from by cutting down the stock, but other than that it had been pretty much left alone.

A couple of months ago we were talking about this and that and he mentioned that he was considering finishing up the job on the old '03 by cutting down the barrel and having a scope installed along with a composite stock. I pleaded with him to at the very least leave it alone as it was still restorable as it was and if he spent all the money on it he was planning to, it would become, in effect, worthless.

I guess my pleading must have gotten to him, because a week or so later while at my house he offered to trade me for a Remington 870 shotgun that I have had for years and bought very cheap when I got it.

Needless to say the deal was done, and acquired a Remington '03, serial number 324025, with a barrel date of 9-42. Thanks to Rick the Librarian, I got my hands on a Remington '03 stock and I have been gradually picking up the correct parts as I can find them.

It's not done yet, but I thought I would show it off some, as I think it is coming along nicely so far.

The rifle as I acquired it:

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...MG1092XL-1.jpg

As it looks today:

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...MG1134XL-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...MG1136XL-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...MG1095XL-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...MG1131XL-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...MG1135XL-1.jpg

I have a stacking swivel and screw on the way for it. All that's left that I need is a "R" marked moveable sight base and a similarly marked lower band and front sight.

good save, real nice finish on it .

Very nicely done!

Kurt

Yeah, she really looks like a keeper!

Thanks for saving her! Another 03 back in service. She is a beauty!

WOW!
I love to hear this... where a historic rifle was "saved"... Good job! And thanks for posting the photos!!!

Thank you for resurrecting that fine rifle...

Bill

Very nice job.

My thanks to all of you for your kind comments.

It is such a shame that so many of these fine rifles have been altered beyond saving, I felt it was my duty to try and resurrect this one.

Well done. You saved a piece of history from bubba oblivion.
I have a real soft spot for 03's.
They get a bum rap because of their sights.
"Get over it", I say to people. They are great rifles and can be very accurate in the right hands!
I love my Garands and 03-A3's, but the 03's have a special place.
Good work!

It's great to see a sporterised military rifle returned to where it should be. You've done a good job. It looks far better now too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lock and Load

Well done. You saved a piece of history from bubba oblivion.
I have a real soft spot for 03's.
They get a bum rap because of their sights.
"Get over it", I say to people. They are great rifles and can be very accurate in the right hands!
I love my Garands and 03-A3's, but the 03's have a special place.
Good work!

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Personally, I think open sights are quicker for fast action up close. I know that's not necessarily what a battle rifle is meant for, but so many encounters are up close and personal. Although, I'm basing this on deer hunting. I tried using my Garand once and I missed a deer running because the sun was at my back and it lit up my aperture like a Christmas tree and I could not see the front sight. Had I had my .30-30 with the open sights that day, I think I would've scored. It was a lesson in terms of bring the right gun. I was in some thick stuff doing a drive. Now, if I was in a nice covered shelter with a cushy seat and an open field of 250 yards or so, I'd take a garand over my .30-30. But if I had an 03 with open sights, I don't think I'd be lacking. At least when I was a younger man with good eyes. Now I think I probably just need a scope. Hehehhe