1903 Rear Sight Sleeve Question

[Rick H.]

I have been checking the forums for an answer to a question I have about the rear sight sleeve on a 1903 Springfield. I understand the process for replacing the barrel on one of these, but how does one go about taking the rear sight sleeve off the old barrel and reinstalling it on the new barrel? I have read about the placement of a locator pin that runs parallel to the barrel, but I have heard a couple of versions regarding how this pin is replaced. One version is that after the sleeve is located and placed on the barrel a blind hole is drilled between the two and the pin tapped in place. Can anyone shed some light on this process for me and what is the best way of removing and reinstalling this sleeve and is it indexed somehow to line up the front and rear sight? Thanks a lot for any help on this matter.......Rick H.

Information

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[Tom in N.J.]

Attachment 24329M1903 barrels have the rear sight base installed at the factory. The new barrel should come with one on it. If your replacement barrel has no base you can install one. Due to variations at assembly it may not be possible to use the groves in your barrel with a new rear sight fixed base. Press on the base and drill new holes for the two pins. There is an index line on the left side of the barrel that lines up with the sight base.

Here is a M1903 barrel with a replacement Fixed Rear Sight base that needed a hole drilled in the base to line up with the grove in the barrel at 11 o'clock.

[Rick H.]

Thanks Tom for the response. A friend of mine had a new barrel put on his 03, but for whatever reason the person doing the work didn't take the barrel/rear sight sleeve off the old barrel and install it on the new one. I suppose this would be all well and good as he is mounting a scope on it, but there is no where for the handguard to tuck into without the sleeve on the barrel. Anyway, after looking at the barrel sleeve I was trying to determine how to remove the sleeve from the old barrel and index it for proper sight alignment. Apparently the pins are supposed to take care of this, at least from the books I have. The issue I am having difficulty understanding is with the installation of the pin that runs parallel with the barrel located near the back of the barrel at roughly 1 o'clock. I have heard and read that there should be "notches" cast or machined into the barrel and sleeve that line up for pin installation, but another person states that a blind hole was drilled after the barrel and sleeve are mated together. I would think that would be a pretty difficult hole to drill based on its location and the fact you would be drilling through the edges of two different types of steel at the same time. Worse yet I would think would be trying to drill through a "notch" in the barrel if using the old barrel sleeve that has an existing notch in it. Any information would be appreciated.

[Mike D]

Rick - The "line" (red arrow) of the FRSB (fixed rear sight base) is used to index the base to the barrel/receiver. The FRSB was pressed on, then holes were drilled for the base spline (prevents base from turning on barrel) and the base pin (prevents longitudinal movement).

The base spline was not always drilled in the 1 o'clock position, sometimes 11 o'clock. That might be easier for you if installing a used base. Like you said, a drill bit will likely "run off" the barrel towards the softer metal of the base, but it shouldn't take much for a pin to hold it.

This process was done before the barrel assembly was browned or parkerized, making location of the base pin sometimes difficult. They are all in about the same position (blue arrow). Lightly tapping this area with a brass hammer might show it up. Drilling for this pin has got to be a challenge.

Removing the FRSB is also a challenge. They often get boogered! Penetrating oil can help. Maybe heat, maybe freeze? I've heard a heavy gloved hand to hold the base while driving the muzzle into a block of soft wood. I've used a block of wood up against the back of the base (right behind the rear sight), striking the wood with a hammer. I left the sight installed to help prevent things from bending.

Good luck!

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[Rick H.]

Hi Mike D.: Thank you very much for the reply. This project will have to wait for a few weeks but you helped me a lot in trying to figure this out. Rick H.

[Chuckindenver]

the sight base shouldnt be removed during barrel removal or install, when new, the sight sleeve was installed, and then the pin was installed, first drilling the hole with a fixture, then pressing the pin, then finishing.
if your having sight index issues, then the barrel is likely not indexed correctly.
common issue for someone thats not installed a 1903 military barrel before, if this is the case,,,have the rifle checked by someone who knows whats going on.

[Jim Tarleton]

As someone who has attempted to drill those two holes, I can assure you it is a difficult task at best. As Chuck stated, SA and RIA used a jig. Even using a lathe, I had problems due to the small diameter of the bit. I won't be doing it again, and trying it with a hand held drill is senseless.

Jim

[Chuckindenver]

i can {chase} the old hole...but drilling a new one??no way...my hair has already fallen out..cant afford to loose anything else.

[Rick H.]

Thanks for the replies gentlemen. Allow me to ask this question, if a new barrel is installed and replacing the sleeve is such a problem then what should a person do in this situation? Are there people that specialize in this type of repair and can you tell me who they are? I have never attempted this drilling process and I will definitely take your word that it isn't for the faint of heart but I have to find someone that can repair my friends rifle as he already has a bunch of money in it. Thanks again, Rick H.

[Calif-Steve]

Chuckindenver can help. Chuck has suffered a personal loss and may not be available for a week or two. He is a top notch person.