Early/ Late SA 1903 Salvageable? Input Needed.

[Calif-Steve]

I have 802,xxx and hope so, as well. The problem is much more confusing then we know. Serial number 800,000 was likely not produced after 799,999. Certainly produced around the same time but not automatically after. They had piles of receivers going through many production cuts intermixed with each other. Anything was possible before the receiver was seralized. So there is really no way of knowing 800,055's history. Neither do I know 802,xxx's history. Rock Island did it very differently and after WWI ended shut down all '03 rifle production. RIA also made nickel steel recievers and bolts during WWI. So they had a very different approach to the low number/high number issue.

[Salt Flat]

HOH, Regarding the scope mount holes---I've posted this before but here is a picture of some plugged scope mount holes on my Arisaka receiver. You really have to look hard to see them. The front one is just to right of the mum and the rear one is almost invisable. This is really not too hard to do. I've done a few 1903's also. Salt Flat

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

This is really not too hard to do. I've done a few 1903's also. Salt Flat

Did you use the anneal screw,insert in hole, cut& grind method? The Arisaka turnd out very well.

[Chuckindenver]

if you search the gunsmith part of these forums...i posted a nice how to on plugging holes without welding

[Salt Flat]

HOH, Yes, anneal or start with screws that aren't so hard. Some are softer than others. Also make sure they are not stainless. Sounds silly, but I actually plugged a hole and went to cold blue it and DANG!--wouldn't blue. Somehow I had grabbed a stainless screw. Anyway, Chucks instructional post is right on. Salt Flat

[Salt Flat]

Here's a couple of more pictures of PLUGGED scope mount holes. Salt Flat

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

I am going to seek out the post based on your results. Sweet results.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Stock search continues. Is the only fitment issue with th4 1903 vs the 1903 A3 stocks the upper handguard? I have found a stock which has the A3 style upper handguard which fit well other than the tang recess
is a bit large (wide) when the action is dropped in.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Found a scant stock this weekend with handguard for $30! Perfect fit. She has the butt plate and rear sling swivel and the rear band retainer. It was very dry and dusty but a little BLO/turpinetine and the patina matches that of the action & barrel. I will post some photos soon.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Ok here are the results thus far along with the photo of my uncle I hope to display it with when complete.Attachment 46296Attachment 46297Attachment 46295