hard to say for sure, looks like somone tried to buff it hard, rounded edges, id just live with it, address the stock issue, and keep moving.. check the headspace for sure,, sometimes,,,you have to sit back and just say well,, that sux,..and live with it....
thats how we all learn
Thanks again Chuck. I guess the headspace is a little tight remember the bolt wouldn't close on the GO gauge, but it did feed the rounds. What do u think about the repair job the guy did on the crack with the brass pin going through.
Also I'm real miffed as to why I can only push 4 rounds in the magazine. There's no way the fifth one will fit!
I'm thinking for my own purposes filling the pits with JB weld. I'm not going to sell the rifle as long as it'll fire I'm happy. It's actually my favorite at the moment over the 1903a4 replica I recently posted. Plus I have a Springfield M1A so I'm holding this 1903 in high regard maybe I'll get a more correct one later in the year.
You might start doing some research, if you want to eventually get another M1903 and learn from this incident. There are books out there, there are these forums and you can attend gunshows and look at (but don't buy) examples.
We've all been there! :)
the fact that the crack is still open and exposed says it wasnt repaired correctly. and likely has other issues at the recoil lug.
if you plan on shooting the rifle i would find a good replacement,
The price is a little steep considering you got an 03A3 stock and pits like crazy. Do read up on the topic and ask questions before you buy. Who told you it was late RIA? The seller? I have a 400,000 RIA and that would be late.
First off I really like this rifle in spite of its shortcomings. And I plan on shooting it frequently. I wanted a 1903 shooter that's it. I did not notice the pitting at the shop most is below the wood. From what I've read the pitting does not make it unfireable so I have repaired it cosmetically as best as I could. I did not buy this rifle to sell at a later date. As far as serial numbers that was me I read on line that mine was not put together by RIA but by SA after RIA stopped production. What makes this an 03a3 stock?Quote:
Originally Posted by Calif-Steve
Hi Todd,
Let the other, I don't see any safety issue from the pictures provided. As for the stock you do need to see if the repairs done already are antiquate to prevent any more progression of the cracking. The reference of the 03A3 stock is the stock you have has stock re-enforcing pins in it (below the receiver) instead of the stocking re-enforcing bolts. Stock with pin were manufacture about 1943 and were used for 03A3 production, and were reverted back to stocking bolts because the pins were not strong enough when rifle was used to firing rifle grenades (split or cracked stocks). Your stock look like a WWII replacement stock made for 1903 because I don't see the cut out for the 03A3 handguard receiver ring in your pictures. Owen
Thanks Owen. If the stock is a wwii replacement for 03 that is awesome to me since the Marines used these till the Army was stocked with M1's. The crack is only visible from the top. When I took it apart I examined that area and the crack is not visible at all under the surface. I'm pretty sure the guy that repaired it glued it well because from the inside it is like it's not there. I also examined the stock inside and out and could find no other damaged areas. I did shoot 15 rounds through it so far I'm getting 150 grain I think it's not a hot load not sure. It was pretty accurate was happy. Rifle looks great to me sure it's no where near a collector and if I knew more i probably could have talked him down in price some. Thanks for the info. I was in the Marines but these milsurps
are new to me I just wish I was rich so I could buy more haha
With a rifle pitted on the outside that badly, I would be gravely concerned about the bore. If it's not bright and shiny, you may be fondling and triggering a loaded time bomb! The cracked stock may be the least of your worries.
J.B.
John brings up a really great point. I've seen documents where they determined the reason a rifle blew up was because of a pitted bore.
It really does make sense when you think about it and it seems to be something that isn't discussed much either.