1943 Model 1903-A3 Stock Questions

[jrapose]

I just bought a really early 1903 Rock Island with a stock dated 1908. My problem is someone added a Lyman sight and carved out the stock....then filed the comb some to thin it at the top...it has a really fine stock with deep markings that are super clear... it also has a cocking piece sight so the cut out for the Lyman is a flaw....

Could anyone recommend someone who could do stock patching ? I have seen it done on other 1903 in service rebuilds and this rifle and stock is well deserving of restoration...

it has a 30:03 barrel (won't chamber a 30:06) dated 4-07 and the receiver has a 1908 serial number (Rock Island)

Even though I can't shoot it due to it's early number is sure is original and nice...

Thanks
Joel

[LJUTIC]

I just bought a really early 1903 Rock Island with a stock dated 1908. My problem is someone added a Lyman sight and carved out the stock....then filed the comb some to thin it at the top...it has a really fine stock with deep markings that are super clear... it also has a cocking piece sight so the cut out for the Lyman is a flaw....

Could anyone recommend someone who could do stock patching ? I have seen it done on other 1903 in service rebuilds and this rifle and stock is well deserving of restoration...

it has a 30:03 barrel (won't chamber a 30:06) dated 4-07 and the receiver has a 1908 serial number (Rock Island)

Even though I can't shoot it due to it's early number is sure is original and nice...

Thanks
Joel

If your rifle chamber is a 30-03 then a 30-06 would fit into that chamber. A 30-03 cartridge is longer then a 30-06 cartridge case wise. The 30-06 cartridge was introduced in 1906 why would the arsenal be still making 30-03 barrels in 4-07?

[jrapose]

Good question.....not sure why not... all I did was try an empty shell and the bolt would not close.... so I assumed... (I know, Bad) This rifle was a hand-me-down and has been sitting in someones closet for 30 plus years... prior to that it was used as a deer rifle...so I doubt the bolt was changed, at that time it was worthless... so maybe it is just dirty or something is growing in there.... who knows, until I take it apart and really get a good look.... I ordered a set of go-no-go gauges and maybe that will give me some answers... as it is now...the bolt closes fine but not with a shell in there... In the past I used Bondo to make a chamber image to identify the chamber in a Spencer ....so that would work to give me exact measurements... a bit of Pam in the chamber and a wad of Bondo is quick and easy...really works..... I love Bondo... also makes really nice receiver blocks when removing a barrel..

---------- Post added at 08:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:08 AM ----------

The deal I made on this rifle was interesting.....he wants a deer rifle in trade...my choice what.... I am looking now for a nearly new Remington 750 with the wood stock in .308 to trade... something in the $500 range... I want to give him something to be proud of .... even though he did not know the value of his rifle, I do and want to be fair...

[Calif-Steve]

Nice 03-A3. S-C handguard, but everything else looks correct.

[LJUTIC]

Good question.....not sure why not... all I did was try an empty shell and the bolt would not close.... so I assumed... (I know, Bad) This rifle was a hand-me-down and has been sitting in someones closet for 30 plus years... prior to that it was used as a deer rifle...so I doubt the bolt was changed, at that time it was worthless... so maybe it is just dirty or something is growing in there.... who knows, until I take it apart and really get a good look.... I ordered a set of go-no-go gauges and maybe that will give me some answers... as it is now...the bolt closes fine but not with a shell in there... In the past I used Bondo to make a chamber image to identify the chamber in a Spencer ....so that would work to give me exact measurements... a bit of Pam in the chamber and a wad of Bondo is quick and easy...really works..... I love Bondo... also makes really nice receiver blocks when removing a barrel..

---------- Post added at 08:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:08 AM ----------

The deal I made on this rifle was interesting.....he wants a deer rifle in trade...my choice what.... I am looking now for a nearly new Remington 750 with the wood stock in .308 to trade... something in the $500 range... I want to give him something to be proud of .... even though he did not know the value of his rifle, I do and want to be fair...

You can't check a chamber with a fired cartridge that was shot in another chamber. A case fired in my 1903a3 Remington will not completely chamber in my NM rifle chamber. You must use a new or full length sized case for a check. I am sure if you try a new 30-06 cartridge in your rifle the bolt will close.

[mrdap]

We seem to have 2 threads going in one, that's ok!

Thank you Calif-Steve!
How can you tell its an SC handguard?
Should I try to find a Remington hand guard? Or is it better to just leave it as it came from the rebuild?

[jrapose]

I just tried a new 30:06 shell in the rifle and you are so right....Thanks... I would have never thought a fired shell would be different .... so my chamber is 30:06
I am new to the forum and you'all have made my day with all your help...

[Rick the Librarian]

A 30-03 M1903 is extremely rare - I've seen exactly ONE in the n3arly 50 years I've been interested. The later M1903/05 (with non-RB characteristics is even rarer than a Rod Bayonet M1903.

[rayg]

I just bought a really early 1903 Rock Island with a stock dated 1908. it has a 30:03 barrel (won't chamber a 30:06) dated 4-07 and the receiver has a 1908 serial number (Rock Island)

Even though I can't shoot it due to it's early number is sure is original and nice...

Thanks
Joel

After January 1, 1907, the rifles were basically newly manufactured as came off the assembly line not made up of misc early parts. Below is a sampling of the first year of normal production. Per "Springfield Model 1903 Service Rifle" by John Beard and C.S. Ferris
Is the serial number close to any of these? Ray

Serial number Barrel date
63499 4-07
65975 3-07
71587 4-07
87229 6-07
94160 8-07

[Rick the Librarian]

Ray, I may not totally understand your statement up above, but Springfield and Rock Island were still modifying earlier M1903s, at least through 1909. I agree that "new" production rifles were also being produced at the time frame you gave.