Springfield 1903 MKI - 1920

[jmichaels32]

My grandpa recently passed this down to me, in hopes that I'd use it for deer hunting. After doing a little research I'm not sure I want to. It's so nice, and to scope it, I'd have to mess it up (in my mind) by removing the Lyman sight, drilling, tapping, grinding the bolt down, etc.

So I'm wondering what you guys think...should I leave it as-is? Or would it be worth scoping and mounting with?

Also, anything else you could tell me about the rifle would be great.

I know the receiver and barrel are matching, made in 1920. The think the bolt is Remington from WWII? Stock is a Bishop.








Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[browningautorifle]

I don't see it as messing it up. It's already fully sporterized, the original rear sight gone and drilled for receiver sight. The metal looks to have been highly polished, 240 grit at least and there's a full selection of parts missing from original. Drilling for a scope mount isn't much more. If it's done right it will shoot wonders. At least it will outshoot most men...

[martin08]

As it is already altered beyond returning to correct configuration, I don't think anything more will be lost by altering it further. It is a somewhat tasteful looking sporter as it is, however, and it might be worth consideration to trade it for a more common scoped hunting rifle.

[jmichaels32]

As it is already altered beyond returning to correct configuration, I don't think anything more will be lost by altering it further. It is a somewhat tasteful looking sporter as it is, however, and it might be worth consideration to trade it for a more common scoped hunting rifle.

I've considered that, but it's been in the family since the 1950's, so I'm not sure if wanna get rid of it.

So I've considered getting a modern rifle instead of the 1903, but my budget is small, $400-500, and not sure I can get a rifle that would even compare with the 1903. Any thoughts?

[browningautorifle]

Keep it and do what you have in mind. It's past collector value and it's yours.

[supercub]

As said, it's a nicely done sporterize, classic of the age. A lot of people are inheriting these from parents these days and most are still cherished by the family. I would keep it, put a modern scope on it and use it and pass it down. I have a Mark 1 just like it and corrected some things and gave it to my son. He loves it!

Kurt

[JasonA]

I would love to have one just like it. I have one I picked up earlier this year and cloned (as best I could) an NRA sporter, which is close to what you have. It is one of my favorites. I hunt with 1903s and Mauser 98s and nothing else. Keep it and enjoy it. Scopes are nice, but I like the peep sights. In AL, very few places I hunt do you even need a scope. I posted picks of my similar rifle a few weeks ago. Check past posts and look for it if you wish. Good luck.
Jason

[martin08]

I've considered that, but it's been in the family since the 1950's, so I'm not sure if wanna get rid of it.

So I've considered getting a modern rifle instead of the 1903, but my budget is small, $400-500, and not sure I can get a rifle that would even compare with the 1903. Any thoughts?

For reasons of keeping it in the family, by all means have it professionally scoped. Your budget should allow for something fairly decent.

[relics6165]

jmichaels32:

If you scope this rifle, the bolt will have to be altered to clear the scope. How are your eyes with the iron sights that are already there?

HTH

[jmichaels32]

jmichaels32:

If you scope this rifle, the bolt will have to be altered to clear the scope. How are your eyes with the iron sights that are already there?

HTH

I know, which adds extra expense and modifications I'd rather not do to this gun. And I'd rather not hunt with iron sights...so I'm planning on keeping it as-is, shooting it for fun and nostalgia and buying a modern rifle for hunting. To me it's just like to nice to mess with. Pretty much a copy of the NRA Sporter.