USN Seabee Drill Rifle Rebuild

[sjwilbanks]

I'm looking for some direction for a special project, but first a little background on it: my father was on the US Navy Seabee Drill Team during the Vietnam years. He's 70 now, and my brother and I want to put together a rifle replicating his drill rifle as best we can to present to him. They used Remington 1903A3's- fully functional, not de-militarized. They had access to rifles and stocks by the truck load (they broke a lot of stocks), so they hand-picked each one, often cannibalizing multiple rifles to assemble their show pieces. They then sent out the metal parts to be chromed and refinished their own stocks. I believe all of their rifles were still functional since they often performed firing details during funerals and other ceremonies. I've found pictures of them with rifles fully chromed, fully parkerized, with white parade slings, OD slings, etc. Much like their uniforms, I think their rifles went through an evolutionary process as the years passed. At any rate, when he was discharged in 1969, he "acquired" a stock set, a chromed bolt, trigger guard, miscellaneous parts, and a bayonet, as well as a box of other spare parts before chroming, all stamped "R" or marked Remington. I want to use all of his original chrome parts on this project, although they will have to be re-chromed due to the finish starting to crack and flake.

Obviously I need a barrel, receiver, and other parts, so I'm looking for suggestions on how to best proceed. All will have to be chromed, so the parts won't have to be perfect. I've found a few sources online that sell parts, but I want to make sure I'm getting it right. Neither of us are gunsmiths, so we're willing to pay a professional to make it that way if that's the best route to take.

I've attached some photos from his drill team days that show the rifles as best as I could find. A Navy press photographer traveled with them all across the country, so I have some pretty good shots, but no real close-ups of the rifles. I've also included pics of what I currently have on hand.

Many thanks for any assistance or advice.

Information

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[Calif-Steve]

Give the CMP a buzz. They have a pile of chrome parts. They might be able to help.

[emmagee1917]

There are chromed rifles out there . I'd put out a WTB ad on the various sites. No need to ruin another good gun to get one.
Chris

[Promo]

There are ones - like this one: 1903 Springfield Rifle RIA Rock Island Parade Mod. : Curios & Relics at GunBroker.com


I think I still have a white textile sling somewhere around, would need to look it up. But not sure if that would make sense to send it over from Europe if you still have these available in the US.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

USN Seabee Drill Rifle Rebuild

That is a worthy project if I have ever seen one. Please keep us informed on the progress. I would love to see a picture of the rifle being presented to your father.

[Mike D]

Putting ads in the Want To Buy sections of the major gun forums will definitely turn up lots of stuff.

Old Western Scrounger and Sarco have lots of drill rifle parts.

1903A3 Springfield chrome presentation drill rifle : Bolt Action Rifles at GunBroker.com


Mike

[bearrowland]

Its a long shot, but there's the Seabee museum up in Rhode Island. My father in law was a Seabee at about the same time, and we just signed him up for membership in their association.

[sjwilbanks]

Thanks to all for the replies. As far as the drill rifles, I'm trying to stay away from those since we want this to be fully functional, just as the rifles they used were. Not that it's likely to ever be fired, it's just the aspect of authenticity for him. I've got a lead on a barrel, so the next main objective will be a Remington receiver. I've spoke with DGR about doing the final fitting and assembly for us; I'm fairly handy, but I'm no gunsmith.

Promo- I think I still have a white textile sling somewhere around

- if you think you might be able to come up w/ one of the white slings, I know shipping would be an issue, but I'd be interested in talking to you about it a little further. My email address is: jarhead5811@bellsouth.net

HOOKED ON HISTORY- That is a worthy project if I have ever seen one. Please keep us informed on the progress. I would love to see a picture of the rifle being presented to your father.

- thanks, and I'll certainly post a photo or two once it's all said and done.

bearrowland- Its a long shot, but there's the Seabee museum up in Rhode Island. My father in law was a Seabee at about the same time, and we just signed him up for membership in their association

- Coincidentally, my Dad's home station was there at Quonset Point, RI. He and my Mom traveled back there a couple of years ago to visit. They really enjoyed the trip, but there wasn't quite as much to see as he'd hoped for (pic of him at the museum is attached).
Attachment 40871

Thanks again to all.