Finally bought my first 1903!

[lthilsdorf]

Bought my first 1903 last week and I finally had a chance to bring it home and get some photos. Seems to have all Remington parts, with a serial number of 3185893 and a barrel date of 4-42. No import mark so I'm assuming it was a CMP rifle. The stock is very nice, as is the finish, and it's overall in great condition.

The only problem was the bore. It seemed pretty dirty at the shop, but I thought it would clean up. However, that night I found I couldn't do anything to fix the problem. So I waited until I shot it yesterday to see if that would clean it out a bit, which it did. However it is still pretty worn out and has a good deal of pitting.

I had a limited supply of CMP purchased ammo, so I bought some Federal hunting ammo, since I didn't have to worry about breaking any op rods or anything, haha! However, the ammo had a grouping of around one foot or more wide! There was no consistency with it and I began to think the barrel was shot. However I decided to use the little bit of Greek ammo I had and see what happened. I was surprised to see it had a much better grouping, all generally in the black at about 80 yards, but a little spread out. Not a match grouping, but good enough for me, and it was similar to my other groupings with my various other rifles (I'm not a great shot, haha!).

In any case for $600 plus tax I feel it was an alright deal. Could have done better, but I guess you live and learn. Here are the pictures I took today, along with my other US World War II era rifles. Enjoy!











Here are some bore shots. It was really hard to get some good ones that show the pitting and wear, but these do an alright job I'd say, for my first attempt at least, haha!









Finally, a nice little World War II era family photo! These are probably my favorite rifles now!

Information

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[Calif-Steve]

Rifle looks Ok to me. Bore is a rough one, for sure. Try down-loading this one, 40 gr. 4895 and a 168 gr. bullet works. Good luck.

[zerowolf]

Congrats on your purchase. I picked up my first 1903 about two months ago and I love it. It was made in 1929 and is in nearly mint condition. Shoots great. I paid $1150 for it. Some have told me I paid too much but it is CHERRY!

[Alonzo]

Just a suggestion before shooting it.
I used to scrub the bore on rifles whihc looked worse then your photo. What I used was regular Hoppe's #9 on medium steel wool.
I wrapped the steel wool around a smaller bore brush, like 25 cal, and dipped the whole thing in Hoppe's then vigorously scrubbed the bore, soaking the steel wool repeatedly.
Things will get very dirty very fast so don't do this on the kitchen table for risk of invoking the wrath of wife. After running this through for at least four or five runs, put a few clean patches through the bore...they will not look clean though may improve. Avoid using an abrasive polishing compound, the steel wool and Hoppe's scrubs out the crud, though it is very messy.
Cheers

[lthilsdorf]

Turns out the barrel cleaned up pretty well! I just used a bored brush and Hopes and it looks worlds better! There is definitely pitting, and it's pretty dark and worn out, but I think it's an acceptable bore now. I can't wait to get some more surplus 30 06 and shoot this one again!