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Looking to finish out my ww2 collection with an '03'...to replace a rough one I sold years back. Would like to find an 03 A1 rifle. I like the pistol grip stock. Would it also be true that the A1's being made between the wars, and not under a rush to build, would be better..fit n finish wise?...Any info appreciated...
The pre WW2 Type C stock should have a drawing number D-1836 behind the pistol grip, the hand guard also
had its own drawing number too
I believe the drawing numbers started around 1936
Except for DCM sales rifles, no M1903A1 service rifles were assembled prior to 1936. So from a collector standpoint, you should seek an M1903A1 rifle having a serial number greater than S/N 1,500,000.
Fit and finish is another matter altogether. You're looking for a rifle that's 85 years old. At that age, fit and finish are governed more by prior usage, care, and storage than by original manufacture.
Good Luck! And stay safe!
J.B.
Howdy. I have a Springfield Armory M1903A1 in great condition. It was made in 1933, according to a book by Bruce N. Canfield. The barrel is marked SA 2-33. Though the rifle is clean in every way, the bolt and extractor have a lot of wear. The bolt is also SA and I'm sure was not installed new in this rilfe. I bought two new-condition black bolt bodies and an un-issued extractor. Here is my dilemma: Neither of the new bolts will fit through the rear receiver ring with the new, or old, extractors installed. The old bolt won't fit with the new extractor installed. They just wedge tight once the curve in the extractor gets about 3/4 way into the receiver. Only the old bolt assembly fits. The problem is giving me fits. Any idea what's the scoop?
I always like them better too, looked more like a shooters rifle.Quote:
Originally Posted by M60/M1tanker
Hermit us there anyway you can post a picture of what your describing? Have you taken your micrometer to it and see where the dimensions differ from the old and new bolt?
Absolutely, love my C stocked A4 build, I haven't shot her in a long while, I must get and shoot her soon.....Quote:
Originally Posted by browningautorifle
I just bought a Dec. 1942 manufacture m1903 - last month of production. It has the starting cuts on the bridge for the a3 rear sight, as in this picture
Attachment 110882
I saw a nice article once on these - some tooling had been switched to a3 already, but supply of parts in the bin dictated whether the receiver was finished as an a3, or m1903. My google foo can't seem to find it again at the moment.
My rifle wears a brand new cmp c-stock.
There are plenty of WW2 m1903's out there that were "altered" by simply throwing them in a hunting stock. Many were taken very well care of too. If you want a shooter, this is probably the cheapest route to go. you may need a new front and rear sight and, of course, stock and handguard. Plenty of articles and posts on here about how to bring one of these back.