Hi Gents,
This is my first M1903 Its a early low number built in 1910. Looks like its a parts gun someone put together. But it looks nice and the price was right! Thoughts? what do you guys think?
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Hi Gents,
This is my first M1903 Its a early low number built in 1910. Looks like its a parts gun someone put together. But it looks nice and the price was right! Thoughts? what do you guys think?
Ooh. I hope the price was really right. To my eyes its a bottom of the parts bin mixmaster.
The pre 1908 split base on a '44 03A3 barrel is remarkable. I am very concerned that the grasping grooves are civilian cut into the stock, they should be slightly tapered towards the front except possibly for some very early no bolt stocks.
Welcome to the 1903s! Roy is correct. The stock has been routed to add the grasping grooves. Also, the rear sight collar has been end milled on the sides to mimic true lightening cuts and has been cut out to resemble a split base early type. Also doesn't appear to have been pinned to the barrel either. It has a replacement 1903A3 Remington barrel turned down to fit the rear sight collar. You are correct in your parts gun hypothesis.
Paid a little over a 400, was looking for a prewar 03. Thanks for all of the reply's guys!
I didn't notice the end mill used to mimic the early sight base! Never seen that done before.
Well you have a good collection of parts if the barrel is in good order. The stock could be passed off to a re-enactor I suppose.
Roy