fork in the road

[southwend]

First off I'm thrilled to find this forum. I have been interested in the 1903 for many years, the receiver especially is truly an elegant example of "they don't build them like this anymore"

Twenty five years ago i acquired a Rock Island complete receiver #366430 with the intent of building a sporter. I purchased a new in grease 1944 Remington 4 groove barrel. I had the barrel attached, the action blue printed, and the bolt handle heated and bent to a sporter style.

The project was completed eventually but became a safe queen because concern about the safety conversion not working properly.

With all of that said, I am interested in the feasibility of taking what I have and reversing it into its original military configuration. I am not approaching this as a collectable, that ship sailed long ago. I am looking for a correct looking shooter.

What do you think?
Suggestions?
Thank You.

Information

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[browningautorifle]

Might actually be cheaper to get one dressed the correct way and just leave this one or sell it to fund the new one. You likely won't get enough to buy the military one...

[usabaker]

Jim is right you would be better of keeping or selling what you have and buying a correct 1903. I can tell you from experience in returning 1903's back from reporters that it is an expensive habit to take up (but someone has to do it - LOL) and in most cases, you would never be able to sell it for what you put into it. For some reason, parts are more expensive than a complete rifle.

There are quite a few listed on PROXIBID right now...

[ssgross]

It's easy to get sucked in to the "make it all correct like it came out of the factory" mindset, and spend lots of money on rare perfect parts, with all the correct stamps etc. Make a list/spreadsheet of the parts you need and tally it all up is the only way to decide. I've done this. It really depends on what you're starting with. One of the most expensive, other than a stock, will likely be the entire rear sight assembly.

concern about the safety conversion not working properly.

Do you mean you have a scope mounted that blocks the safety? Or installed a different trigger/safety mechanism?

new in grease 1944 Remington 4 groove barrel

Does it has an A3 barrel? Post some pics?

[Gil Boyd]

Steven,
Welcome to the site. I am sure all your answers will be forthcomuing from the expertise on here. Good luck, Gil

[BEAR]

Pictures?

[CINDERS]

It's easy to get sucked in to the "make it all correct like it came out of the factory" mindset, and spend lots of money on rare perfect parts, with all the correct stamps etc. Make a list/spreadsheet of the parts you need and tally it all up is the only way to decide. I've done this. It really depends on what you're starting with. One of the most expensive, other than a stock, will likely be the entire rear sight assembly.

I agree,
I did that with my 1916 Lithgow 5MD No 1 MkIII which started as a $100 purchase missing the mag and safety by the time I sourced all WWI star lithgow marked with the correct mag & follower, trigger, mag release, the correct complete dumbell safety, 1916 Wrights black sling (Not blancoed), middle band, piling swivel, 1916 star Lithgow 5MD scabbard, 1916 unissued 5MD Lithgow '07 bayonet.
The cost well came close to $1K so 10 times the original purchase price thank god it had the correct star marked mag cut off before they deleted them I think around the middle of 1916.
That process took me about 8-9 years trolling the net for the best parts I could find to maintain the level desired its not as it left the factory having a H barrel fitted in '37 but its 90% period correct and I dont shoot it much anymore as the barrel is a tad tired and is not that accurate but for just plain fun to shoot yeah I like it.

[champ0608]

I for one enjoy the restoration process, especially on a sporter that isn't being enjoyed fully as-is.

Yes it will be more expensive than just buying an unaltered rifle. But its a fun hobby. Depending on how correct you want it to be, finding just the right parts can require archaeological level research. It takes time and effort but each small part brings its own rewards. The final result will be a rifle you're prod of, that will be just what you want.

To me, that's a lot more fun than selling the sporter for a loss, and buying a different one to stick in the safe.

[RCS]

Back about ten years or more, I bought some four digit 1903 receivers from the CMP auction, they were not expensive. These receivers all have a nice finish and color as received and I had quite a few early parts, bolts and stocks. I was able to find early barrels too.

While not worth alot I do enjoy them and often shoot 32 ACP or 32 S&W short and long at short pistol ranges using adoptersAttachment 113747Attachment 113748Attachment 113749

[rcathey]

While not worth alot I do enjoy them and often shoot 32 ACP or 32 S&W short and long at short pistol ranges using adopters

That’s my exact plan. I always have an eye opened for a low number WWI era 1903. And those adapters will be getting a workout!