New 1903A3/A4 person here with a question or two

[doyletoo]

Found a 1903A4 (legit) with some minor issues I'm looking to restore. Pics in the next day or so. One need is a new stock. It has a chopped pistol grip (C?) stock remnant on it. A scant stock appears to be OK as a replacement from what I've seen and I found a 1903 with a scant stock today that could be donor if the stock will work.
Are the 1903 & 1903A3 stocks the same?

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[doyletoo]

Here's some pics and details: s/n 341xxxx puts it in the correct range for 1943 production and the "split bridge" markings along with the bolt and scope mount were what I went by to satisfy myself it was the real deal.
Good so far, but there's a few issues: barrel cut back about 1.5" (this is the only real issue as I see it, and it can be overcome just will require a gunsmith and time to hunt down an appropriate barrel. Barrel dated 7-43,
but as I understand a 7,8, or 9-43 barrel would be OK too. The stock has been chopped and needs replacing. And it needs a scope and rings. The whole thing has a uniform dull blue appearance to it.

1. If I can't find a "correct" NOS barrel, can a barrel be removed from a 1903A3 and be used without any issue aside from removing the front sight base. NOW HOLD ON THERE, I'm not advocating the destruction of another good rifle. I found a National Ordnance 1903A3, which is a commercial rifle, that has a Remington barrel that looks nice. I could put a repro barrel back on the NO rifle and it wouldn't hurt the value of it.
2. Will a 1903 scant stock fit this? Correct? It appears to have a been a point of some debate.

I live not far from Anniston and plan on letting CMP do the rebarreling as it would seem they should know what they are doing.

[Randy A]

The National Ordnance isn't worth rebarreling so make sure you get it "cheap" they're not easy to even sell. A 7-43 barrel will be hard to find not so much on the 8 or 9-43, those are still around. As far as the stock, not going to be cheap, I would actually get ahold of stockdoc, he's on several of the forums and see if he can restore yours (I think he can). I've seen a few folks do this same repair and they look great. Since you have the C and correct bolt cut I think it would be worth it. By the way a scant is not incorrect, there are plenty to be had but not cheap any more and A4 will be just as tough a find. I've found that most A4 stocks that are for sale are that way for a reason, most are sacked out and incapable of maintaining muzzle pressure and accuracy so look them over closely and see if there is a return option.

[browningautorifle]

This one has only the action remaining so you're basicly starting from there...building a rifle from the action out. Then you need to find an optic and rings too... I'd think buying a correct rifle would be better unless this is to be a shooter, it'll never be correct after. The overall cost could be prohibitive.