1903 Springfield Rebuild Questions

[Midmichigun]

Steve,
I won't disagree with anything you said.
I am a restorationist, and have brought back things farther... from the edge. My joy is the act of restoration or repair.
BTW, I don't know if someone attempted to park this thing, or spray paint it. There are no or little pits on the receiver. But it does have a blotchy look.
While cleaning I did find the following proof marks on the underside of the receiver:

I actually asked for the type of upperhandguard in an earlier post. This was due to the condition of the current one. It has a crack in it. I suppose I could repair it, but would rather replace due to the apparent low cost of this item.

[kokomo]

It looks like silver spray paint to me in the first set of pics.

[Midmichigun]

Kokomo,
You are probably correct. It is a weird surface that isn't parking... regardless, I am moving on with the project.

Thanks for the sage advice so far everyone!

I am actually excited by a recent find. BTW, hats off to "Bowhunter 1903" for providing a vintage barrel. My ruined barrel is dated 8-30. He was able to supply a barrel dated 4-30! The "new" barrel easily passes the "bullet test", and looks great! The rifling is so "sharp" it will cut your eye! I greased up the barrel, and spun it into the receiver a few turns for a few pics!
First photo is of the barrel loosely mounted to the receiver:


Next photo is of the front sight on the "new" barrel:



This is a view of the rear sight on the barrel:


Next photo is for the experts... I can't seem to get the shot right, but I have included it in tonights upload:

I tried to get less glare, and also used white out to get the markings more clear. I found these after turning off the barrel.
I think one marking on the face of the receiver says: J73 this is towards my finger nail. The second I believe is: D, which is towards my finger joint. Additional proof or heat codes?

As to the stock, I alluded to the "correct" one in my searches on Mr. Dads post on his CMP stock odyssey. I have attached the link for general amusement and knowledge. Since my receiver is a 1921, it probably could use the type "4 or 5". Mr. Dad noted on his post that the CMP stock he chose closely resembles a type 4. http://www.trfindley.com/origstmps/m1903guidea.jpg


Stay tuned to more exciting adventures here!

[John Beard]

"J 73" is the receiver steel lot code.

I'm not sure what the "D" is.

Hope this helps. Thanks for posting the code.

J.B.

[Mike D]

What Steve said is true, but if you are having fun refinishing the stock, and cleaning up the metal, then you are doing good.

It is all a learning process.

If the lower band spring cut is square on the far right side - it is Remington. A rounded cut is Smith Corona.

You have a perfect rifle for "fixin' up and ejamakashun". Do what you want with it.

[Dad]

Midmichigun,

If I remember correctly you were looking for a stock for your project.

There is a decent GG (grasping groove) stock up for auction in eBay. Look like it doesn't need a lot of work (just cleaning, steaming, and some oiling)

M1903 Springfield RIFLE STOCK, Ton of MARKINGS ? WWI ? - eBay (item 200539748776 end time Nov-11-10 17:49:57 PST)

D.

[Midmichigun]

Mr. Dad,
Thanks for the input and link. That is a NICE stock! I will keep my eye on it. If the price is right, may come home.

Sitrep:
Still saving up for a proper bolt for the rifle. When I get the bolt, then I will assemble the barrel to the receiver and do a headspace check!

[Dad]

Hey Midmichigun,

I did finish installing the CMP "S" Stock on my 1918 M1903. No problems with the fit of the action at all, I did inlet the hand guard for the clips. Some Tung oil and 0000 steel wool and it was done.

[Midmichigun]

Mr. Dad,
Sweet! I love it when plan comes together!
Now we a range report from you!

I REALLY love it when basket cases and "junk" are restored to their former glory! Hope my rifle turns out as well as yours!

[Midmichigun]

Mr. Dad
Well, I didn't get the stock on Ebay.
Being a Newb to 1903's, I stopped my bidding short. Knowing that repro CMP stocks go for the $160.00 range, I was prepared to spend more. However, the auction ended at $335. Just as a point of reference... what should the stock have sold for? The seller claimed it was an original 1903 stock from WWI or so.