Springfield 1903 - missing sights, mystery holes and front sight base

Hello,

As part of a trade, I am now in possession of a Springfield 1903, serial # 887030. A 1903 has been on the must have list for a while, so I'm stoked. However, the previous owner planned to create a faux "sniper" rifle. He did a good job turning and inletting the bolt handle to clear a scope, but removed the front and rear sights and can't find them.

Also appears that the rifle used to have aftermarket sights, as the rear of the receiver is drilled and tapped and there is at least a part of the front sight base remaining. Please see included photos.

Questions: What parts do I need to replace the missing sights? Where can I order them from? Do you recognize the holes in the rear of the receiver and the black front sight base? Peep sights would be great if I can figure out which sights fit the holes and front base.

Thanks in advance...

Click on the links below and you'll see an example of everything you need.

US Springfield 1903 Front Sight Base Blade Pin Blue Original USGI Unissued | eBay

Springfield 1903 1903A1 Front Sight Base Screw | eBay

Model 1905 Rear Sight for Springfield Model 1903 Rifle | eBay

1903 Springfield Rear Sight Windage Knob in Original Grease Free Shipping | eBay

Thanks Fred - just what I needed.

Fred - could the holes in the rear receiver be for an A3 sight? If so, would that account for the aftermarket front sight base? I assume the front side blade is higher on an A3 than a standard 1903. Thanks again.

I'll bet you'll find the front base fits a Parker Hale tunnel and the rear was probably for the same...I wouldn't bother with them though. I'd just return it to as original as I could.

Jim - that's probably really good advice, though just trying to satisfy my curiosity. I'm going to start hunting for parts today. Thanks for the reply - Roy

Looks like Sarco has everything I need.

Quick question - is there any difference between these two other than the price?

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Thanks...

---------- Post added at 10:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:56 AM ----------

Hmmmm...looks like links won't work and can't seem to copy pics from Sarco's site. First description is "1903 SPF Rear Sight Assembly with base & windage screw" for $49.95 and second is "1903 Springfield Rear Sight Comp. w/Windage screw, w/o Barrel ring" for $44.95. Neither includes the barrel ring, which I don't need. Thanks...

Try the WTB here. I know there's several here that have buckets full of that sort of thing.

The black insert in the front sight base is for a Redfield International globe type front sight. It can be replaced by the original type front sight. They are readily available and inexpensive. I bought two of them for $5 each at a gun show last weekend.

The holes in the bridge appear to be for a scope base for a modern scope. There are usually two more holes on the receiver for the front scope base. The military rear sight is readily available and inexpensive.

Thank you all - appreciate your insights. I was able to one stop shop for everything at Sarco - may not have gotten the best prices, but shipping is a killer to Alaska, so probably a wash. I'm looking forward to getting this 1903 put back together and shooting it. Thanks again.

That front sight block is worth a couple bucks on ebay. Help offset some costs.