How Did I Do?

[reed12b]

The 1903A3 one that has the two metal clips visable from the side. The handguard from CMP does not have the inlets cut out for the clips. I have not stained or tung oiled the stock yet, so hopefully if I find one I can get a good match in the color.

[Kirk]

It is my understanding that the hand guards sold by the CMP in their stock sets have the clips. If yours does not, contact the CMP Customer Service & they'll replace it.

If worse comes to worse, I have a cracked & repaired but still serviceable hand guard, with clips, for $5 (which is about the cost of a set of clips) + postage.

[John Beard]

I basically understand the headspacing concern, but how does the average guy check this without an expensive guage?

A quick and dirty check on headspace can be made by checking the operation of the safety lock. If the safety lock works smoothly and properly without binding, there's a reasonable chance that the headspace is o.k. You can also examine a fired case, compare it with an unfired case, and check for stretching around the head.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[reed12b]

I just dashed off a quick email to the CMP customer service area about the handguard issue. I noted on the CMP site that of the three photos of 1903 stock sets, only one of then have the metal clips installed. Upon closer inspection it does not appear the 1903A3 one has the cutouts or clips. I can not believe I am the first one to notice this issue! Anyway I will update this with the results of the response. If they will not do anything for me I will just keep the handguard I have and hope to match the new stock's color and finish to it.

Looking at the Fulton Armory site they have a set of go/no go guage for $59. Does anyone know if they could be used for the M1 rifle also or would that be a different set of go/nogo guages? I should have stuck with just one type of rifle, seems like I keep spending money on this hobby.

[Emri]

Headspace gages are caliber specific, not rifle specific. A 30/06 gage can be used for any rifle in that caliber. To get an accurate check on an M1 though, you must disassemble the rifle and the bolt. On the 03, you can check without any disassembly, but it is better to strip the bolt first.

HTH,

Emri

[reed12b]

I got a very quick response from the CMP, they said they would exchange the handguard!! They are sending me a shipping lable to return it. Very cool, only drawback will be the 2 to 3 weeks this will take.

[reed12b]

It is funny how things turn out sometime. As noted above, a poster pointed out that the bolt in this gun (1903A3) was an older one that might not be safe to shoot. Well in looking at my first 1903, which turned out to be a 1903A1 built in 1931, it has a Remmington bolt! So I will just switch bolts and see if someone at the gun club has a guage to see if the headspace is ok.

Maybe I got lucky for once on this project.

[Mike D]

When it comes to used barrels, i just use a field gauge. If it doesn't close, your good to go.

[Calfed]

Also--the CMP recommends Clymer field gauges over Forster for military 30.06 rifles.

They are apparently closer to US Ordnance field specs.

[Calfed]

Anyone have a link to the CMP WWII 03 Stock sets?

Can't seem to locate them on the CMP website