This 1903 is no longer a bubba gun

This is the rifle I bought from an auction a while back. Because of where it is in the SRS list I thought it was a target rifle but I didn't know if it could be brought back to life. I don't have a hit for it but it is surrounded by NM rifles. I found an NOS stock and handguard for it and although it's close, I think it's for a later NM because it had the factory cut-out for the Lyman sight and the first 100 Special Targets didn't have the Lyman mounted. The stock has never been messed with, the grain is beautiful and the edges are sharp. I am surprised that I found the stock and handguard on ebay for $200, the fellow had them listed in the wrong place. I'm pretty sure this is one of the first 100 Special Target rifles Springfield built in 1921. All in all I think it turned out nice and I really like the red color of the stock. The before pictures are in my last thread.

Star number on top of the barrel
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...opb6ne3a-1.jpg

Now:
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...ldoj33na-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...mdusubzs-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...qsoy7zln-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...87jwkuy3-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...k2knshxu-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...abqdlhip-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...apvqv6eo-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...ryqkelcv-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...aghotykl-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...dul0suus-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...eykndqpi-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...diy82hgx-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...pymcb3xd-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...3fgqswq3-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...vayoiefh-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...qxcler1w-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...3zeagvat-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...lysfpb2t-1.jpg

Wow, what a beauty!!!
I’d love to have a 1903. Like this one...

Yes a real beauty...

I don't think the lower band should be blued and I think the upper hand guard is a WWII replacement, but it matches great. The bore is very shiny and gauges less than 1.

here are some photos of the hi hump hand guard, these have the fixture slot inside near the rear. You can still them around but it might take awhile and they are not cheap. Like alot of uncommon parts there are repros of this hand guard around too.Attachment 107079Attachment 107080

I think the handguard is the correct style. Here are a couple of these for sale that have the same profile of handguard. One even has the same barrel date as this one.

https://www.proxibid.com/Firearms-Mi...08641#topoflot

https://www.proxibid.com/Firearms-Mi...03529#topoflot

You are correct, there was a post WW1 hand guard with rounded sides, mine has a drawing number on top. Mine is on a 1931 NM rifle, but might now be correct !Attachment 107081Attachment 107082

Here is what it looked like before.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...9odh8w6y-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...kp1nkbmw-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...nepbzul5-1.jpg

You did a great job. I don’t like sporterised rifles. This is now again a great one. Bravo!

That is a lovely stock. You were very, very lucky to find that one.

And the final result is ... splendid!

Nice resurrection of a fine old rifle. Congratulations.

Yep, looks pretty good alright, I'd have it for sure.

That is an excellent job in restoration. But after doing more research, i am convinced that your hand guard should have the half circular cut by the rear sight windage knob. The single slot cut was used on WW2 contract handguards.

My photo shows the circular cut on a SA hand guardAttachment 107097

That is correct. I noted in the original post it was a WWII replacement, I know from the cut also.

Early Remington 1903 handguards also had this circular cut but no fixturing slot.

Here are some photos of Remington hand guardsAttachment 107118Attachment 107117Attachment 107116

What a gorgeous stock you were able to find! Great job you've did!

Really nice restoration job. Being a Springfield, I know this is a rhetorical question, but how does it shoot?

I don't know, I sold it to a friend of mine. He is going to use it in our next Garand match and then we shall see.