a3 front sight post

[ssgross]

Well, Jim, you may have to wait a while. I shopped earlier in the week for a 1.175" aluminum bushing for my brownells barrel vise. Thought I had one coming but no-dice, backordered. I'm gambling that the no. 5 steel bushing will work - it's in stock. Brownells says it fits Mauser 98 military barrels, which best I can find on the interweb is 1.2", same as the 03a3. Am I wrong?
Now, I've never used a steel bushing before. Can I wrap aluminum tape on the barrel to prevent damage to the finish, same as I do on the action?
For anyone else that stumbles on this now, Chuck's thread is a must read, although his equipment is a bit more than my DIY shop. For convenience...https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=26677

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[browningautorifle]

Can I wrap aluminum tape on the barrel

Don't think so. We used a Brownells resin to hold things but I don't think they have it any more. Some have used Oak blocks. I personally make my own out of 1' by 2' aluminum bar cut into four inch lengths. Drill the hole to get started through both together and drill bolt holes the other way. Then you make your blocks. There's usually enough edges to get hold of and you can't scratch.

[ssgross]

I've already got the barrel vise, and rosin - just need the correct bushing. The brownell's vise has a 1+3/4" opening. Fleabay bushings all seem to be 1+1/2 od. Only the steel bushing no 5 was in stock - it should fit? Am I right the Mauser 98 shoulder is 1.2"? - the a3 seems 1.195, which is why I asked about a few wraps of aluminum tape, then the steel no. 5 bushing in the vise.
If it's not the right size, it will be a long wait I suppose - or make my own with wood blocks as you suggest. I'm in no hurry, and I already left my disappointment at not getting it done this weekend in an empty beer can...which I suppose I could make an aluminum shim out of for the steel bushing if it's a bit too big?

[browningautorifle]

I suppose I could make an aluminum shim

Don't know about the shims. I don't know if they'll slip. I used solid blocks.