Scant stocks good bad or ugly

Hi
I think the time has come to replace the S stock on my Remington 03A3 its a pinned stock and has had several repairs in the past and is now time to call it a day. I originally wanted to replace it with a screw reinforced S stock but being in the UK have been unable to locate one here or in Europe. State side the dealers will either not send a stock to the UK or the cost they ask for shipping and handling then having to add tax and vat this end makes it prohibitive.
So what I have have been able to find is a original surplus Scant stock still in the wrapper with hand guard for £110 about $170 delivered.
I think the price is great what is making me think twice is the look of the scant stock is it beautifully ugly or just ugly I just don't know if I love it or hate.
The same seller also has a C-stock but at over £177 $275 but I don't know I can justify the extra cost.
So would appreciate your views on the scant stock especially from those who own one.
Thanks Terry

The M1903A1 Stock came in two versions. One had a full pistol grip which basicallY followed the "C" profile. Where there was insufficient wood in the stock blanks to manufacture the full pistol grip the scant version was authorized. The butt stock dimensions (LOP, drop at comb and heel etc) are essentially the same.

The full "C" style grip looks nicer but for shooting both styles are pretty close.

Regards,
Jim

Springfield Armory changed over to the C Type stock, which as Jim explained had different dimension from the original S stock. With war on the horizon Springfield found that they had a supply of S Type blanks but few C Type. The S Type blanks were run on the C type machines, and the scant stock was the result. Just my opinion, but the stocks are more comfortable to shoot than the S stocks. You don't hear it as much any more, but about the time the DCM was selling 1903's and A3's, the stock got the nickname "Wart Hog" for it's less than stellar looks.

I think there are '03 stocks in Canada. Marstar? Holland has stocks, no idea who. Look around for nice stocks in Europe.

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Originally Posted by boristhepig

just ugly

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Had an '03a4 about ten years ago which got swapped off just because of the stock. Gah! Nice rifle. Dumb move. But every time I think about finding another- nope! Once was enough. Not real "comfy" either.

i guess it all depends on what it is YOU want in a 03 stock and what YOU want it to do or be.

ugly is as ugly does,my ugly may not be your ugly.

you get my drift. hears my ugly,that i think is lovely.

I still think they're ugly, but for a pure shooter, nothing wrong with them.

Nothing like the classic looks of the original S stock, and the graceful lines of the C stock are beautiful, but the "Wart Hog" was simply making the best out of a bad situation.

Pay the money for the C stock. You will never question it later.:D
My 2c

If you can legitimately swing it, the C stock is the Cadillac - and you will enjoy the pride of ownership, and eventual appreciation of value. GI C stocks bring a premium, now and in the future. They are not making any more real ones.

Having said that, the Scant stock has a certain charm - and shoots worlds better than an "S", and feels much better at the shoulder. The comb/butt is higher and more in line, (exact same profile as a C stock) and the abbreviated pistol grip is still a lot more to hold on to than an S straight stock. Either one will make you throw rocks at your old S stock..... CC

I used to scoff at scants. But I kind of have a thing for the early ones done by SA that will not accept an A3 receiver, nor are they cut for the A3 handguard ring.

I really don't mind the look of a nice scant. They are part of the story.

I have seen all types -- from those as finely finished as some of the early grasping groove stocks to those that looked like they got carved out of a 2x4 by somebody with a dull jacknife!

In war-time all bets were off. They did what they had to to make due...we could all learn something from that lesson

That's why I like the scant stock on mine, part of the story. I like the looks anyway.
It's a bad-azz accurate rifle for shooting, not to sit in a safe or museum.

Scants are just as accurate as c-stocks IMO.
I own both and on the same day, same ammo they are equals in my book.

The tiny bit of wood missing from the pistol grip of the scant stock would have no relation to the rifle being accurate or not. The accuracy would originate on how well all the parts came together. The OP brought up the ugly aspect of the stock.

I guess the original question was "scant stocks, good, bad, or ugly. Personally I like em over the S stock, but not over the C, and thats for shooting. As to asthetics, I believe they all look great in full dress and have a couple of each.

Rick, I know you really love those scants, it's ok though, when your ready, come over to the dark side...lol.

Kurt

I think it's more comfortable than a Straight stock. Therefore it is not ugly to me. In the beginning, when I first started all this gun stuff, I thought they looked "weird" because I had never seen anything like it. Having said that, I think the Straight stock LOOKS the best. But when I look at them, I can't help but think I'd rather hold on to a C or a Scant while firing.

I'm in total agreement - I don't like the LOOKS of them but, if I needed just a shooter, either a Scant or C stock would be fine with me.

http://s1141.photobucket.com/albums/...le/03%20stock/Hi
I eventually came to decision that the right scant stock can be a thing of beauty, well not quiet gorgeous but with a strange charm or fascination. The C stocks less attractive sister but you wouldn't be ashamed to take it out in day light.

So I ordered a scant stock for my 03A3 and it arrived today and would appreciate some feed back on the pictures, I assumed that all these stocks where pretty much a drop in fit? well the action will not drop in or even come close to dropping in I think its a 03 stock that was never fully given the A3 fit. The recoil lug wont fit at all and if I got that to fit don't think barrel guard ring would fit either

03 stock pictures by smle - Photobucket

Years ago when there was a lot of sporterizing military rifles, outfits like Bishop and Fajen sold what they called 95% finished stocks. The only thing they didn't tell you was that they left the worst 5% to finish. I don't think the problem is an '03 stock, but just that it hasn't been fully inlet.

You, Sir, are blessed! You have the seemingly rare and hard to find "early" Scants, cut ONLY for an original 1903! DO NOT ALTER IT TO FIT an 03A3!! There are a few people looking for this variation, and the one you need is common by comparison.

What it really means to you is you must purchase a straight M1903 to put it in!! CC

Uh oh. Another reason to get a rifle. It never ends. :lol:

I'm not saying that because I know what I'm talking about. Because i have no clue if it is that. Mine dropped right in to the one I bought.

A Scant stock has the same comb height as a C stock. Much easier to shoot than a S Stock. Rifles are for shooting.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...100_1045-1.jpg

Scant grip stocks have can have a certain charm when a fellow is 18. This was my first ever center fire rifle, purchased from a pawn shop in 1975. First two deer were taken with it. First few years of high-power competition were accomplished with it. It's a early Smith Corona with a six-groove barrel dated 12-42.

My first M1903 was a Remington M1903 with a Scant stock, purchased in 1967 for $39.95 (I was 17 at the time - still have the rifle). I didn't know squat about M1903s (never had heard of a Remington M1903!) and never had heard of a Scant stock! Still have the rifle, but changed out the stock many years ago.

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Originally Posted by boristhepig

http://s1141.photobucket.com/albums/...le/03%20stock/Hi
I eventually came to decision that the right scant stock can be a thing of beauty, well not quiet gorgeous but with a strange charm or fascination. The C stocks less attractive sister but you wouldn't be ashamed to take it out in day light.

So I ordered a scant stock for my 03A3 and it arrived today and would appreciate some feed back on the pictures, I assumed that all these stocks where pretty much a drop in fit? well the action will not drop in or even come close to dropping in I think its a 03 stock that was never fully given the A3 fit. The recoil lug wont fit at all and if I got that to fit don't think barrel guard ring would fit either

03 stock pictures by smle - Photobucket

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If it's a real surplus stock, there may be a reason it was never assembled to a rifle! I had (have?) a "new" M1917 stock which was dandy except the buttplate area was "machined" several degrees off plumb. Holes, tang pocket- everything. So it sat in a reject pile that was later sold off for dirt cheap. Years later some sucker (me) paid good money for it...

"If it's a real surplus stock, there may be a reason it was never assembled to a rifle! I had (have?) a "new" M1917 stock which was dandy except the buttplate area was "machined" several degrees off plumb. Holes, tang pocket- everything..."

This sounds like the scant stock I bought from Dupage. Does not have the grip "P" proof. When the barrelled action was dropped into the stock, the muzzle was close to 3/4" high at the barrel contact point. So after some thought, carefull wood excavation, and glass bedding, it all fits great. I bought the stock for the price as I have a C stocked A3 already. The C stock is night and day in the comfort area when shooting prone compaired to the S type. The scant stock feels good prone - still need to shoot the rifle. If you are going to have only one 1903, suck it up and buy the C stock for the great looks and comfort when shooting. Also, If the stock doesnt fit and is not comfortable it may affect your shooting.

Don't turn your nose up at a scant stock. The are original replacement for the 03A3, and in fact are much more comfortable than the original S stocks. -- JMHO

if the scant stocks were replacement stocks for the 03A3 Then why were the WW11 C stocks produced. I thought the scant stock was produced because Remington got a bunch of stock blanks that were not fat enough for C stocks so they got permission to produce the scant stock. Seems like if the scant stocks satisfacory it would have been a waste of resources to produce the C stocks

Yep. The "scant stock" was never planned, and was the result of a union between a C stock and an S stock.

Hi
Just to update you, the scant stock I received from Westland Military Antiques that was for the 1903A1 and not altered to fit the 1903A3. Westland told me if I returned the stock they would replace it with 1903A3 and refund my return shipping costs. Several weeks later had no replacement stock or shipping refund. I was lucky to get my original payment back .
I have now been thinking again about replacement stocks and decided i will look for a S stock with reinforcing bolts as this is I believe would have been the correct stock for a October 43 built rifle. I know the scant or C are better shooting stocks but its not my main shooting rifle and would like to try and preserve it with some semblance of originality
If any one knows of a good supplier or source for one that ships to the UK it would be appreciated.
Regards Terry

I've had good luck with the Type 11 and Type 12 stocks from Northridge. They have new-in0wrap and used ones.

Beware of new stocks, any new stock does need "some" fitting and if you don't know how to fine tune the inletting, you might be better off with a low-wear "takeoff".

These are apparently out of europe, presumably former FN stockpile parts.

The straights look nice too, so I commend your choice. And like you said, more correct probably.