1903 observation and human nature

[Badger]

A good reading of Hatcher's accounts of low number receiver failures may dispel some opinions considered facts. It is amazing how many instances of receiver failure are noted as insufficient receiver strength.

For those that want to follow up on what Johnny mentions ..

Hatcher's Notebook (by Julian S. Hatcher)

Rwegards,
Doug

[miketuite]

Is there anthing written - or does anyone know - whether firing reduced loads in low-numbered 1903's reduces the risk of a failure? If the answer is posted, I haven't been able to find it.

Thanks,

Mike

[Johnny Peppers]

Two of the receiver failures mentioned by Hatcher had been fired with the standard guard cartridge which was the 150 grain bullet over 9.1 grains of Bullseye for 1200 fps velocity. Hatcher's opinion was that the sudden shock of the fast burning Bullseye powder caused the failures.

"When the user fired the guard cartridge, the pieces of the receiver simply fell to the floor as they might have done if it had been made of glass and been struck with a hammer."

[vintage hunter]

Chuck, heres the pics of the failed Nat. Ord. reciever you asked for a year ago....

[Chuckindenver]

thanks vintage hunter..i have saved those pics for my collection.
we all collect things...and part of why some of us are here. i collect, blown up, cracked or burnt weapons.. not so much the actual weapon anymore too much junk in my life as it is...but more of the pictures.
i have plan on having a nice picture display for the kids at the hunter safety classes.. i donated most of my failed rifles and pistols to the instructors at the Colorado DOW.

[Sarge1998]

This has been a very interesting thread, informative is not an apt description. Every few months when I'm bored I scan the Cabela's Gun Library and guess what I found? Under Military Arms go to the page starting the letter "N". You guessed it a National Ordinance 1903A3, the price isn't the only thing you'll choke on, under description is the following:

"After World War II, thousands of 1903 and 1903-A3 parts were offered for sale as scrap metal. Several gun oriented firms including National Ordinance, purchased a great number of parts and set to building 1903-A3 rifles using investment cast receivers. Although a less than desirable substitute for original 03 receivers, the Nat. Ord. cast receivers were given a favorable report after a proof house test of three random receivers in 1963. About 2,500 copies were assembled in the serial # range above 5,000,000. This copy is serial #5032199"

I really have enjoyed and been watching this tread, in my opinion I would not own one of these except to use as a paperweight, or donate to be cut and tested, but that's only an opinion.

[phil441]

It's been interesting to say the least. If it gets too slow here we can all go down to the M1/M2 Carbines forum and I can start one on Universal M1 Carbines. Yup, I've got one of those too........
(I can just imagine Chuckindenver shaking his head in disbelief).

Phil

[Chuckindenver]

i have no issues with Universal Carbines at all..though crude..nobody tried to sell them off as GI. i converted on to shoot propane a few years ago.

[Randy A]

The Cabella's in Billings had one too, I think they wanted like $750.00 for it. I asked the clerk about it and told them about the actions reputation,, they don't care.
Even when I was in High School everybody (younger gen.) knew these were garbage, apparently they've been in the corners of the gun racks and closets so long that people have forgot and the newer, younger enthusiasts think they have some collectible on thier hands.