De-sportering (maybe)

[Hardcase]

Well, as it turns out, the rules at the gun club aren't exactly strict. I can shoot the rifle as-is, as long as I replace the scope with an open or peep sight. They're just out to have a good time, not set any records or anything serious, so the competition is open to just about anything.

But I think that those of you who suggested that restoring the rifle to some semblance of originality are right - the cost and trouble look like they would make buying another rifle much more appealing. So I'm going to stick with what I've got, replace the scope with something else, and pick up either another '03 in the classifieds or maybe an M1 from CMP.

Thank you all for your advice - I really love this place!

[Dollar Bill]

I'm on the same road, Hardcase. A CMP C stock will run you $164. A sight blade is $5. Rear sight might be $50-75 I think. Lyman 48 C or S: $150-300. A Redfield 70 can be had for $40, plus $10 for target knobs (both sights use the same hole pattern). For $800, I'll have a 1903 with a new C stock and new barrel, legal for competition. Slap on the Lyman front and rear sights and you have a much better sight set-up, but then you're out of service rifle catagory.
In your case, I would think about $300 should get you where you want to be. That's stock, front and rear sights, and any missing metal work.
Bob S., what cast bullet were you using? I'll be shooting Lyman 311284 and Saeco 315s

[Bob S]

Bill:

From the notebook in 1974. I think you can read the data.



The velocity was extimated by Col. Harrison at about 2000 fps, and it held together very nicely out to 300 yards.

The rifle looked exactly like the one pictured earlier in this thread, except it had a Lyman 48 on the back, not the Redfield. In the 1973 season, I got my Master classification with it, using this load for 200 and 300 yards, and Sierras for 600 yards. After the 1973 season, I decided to put a scope on it so I could shoot the Any Sight matches with The Big Kids. The group above was the first ten rounds fired after I put the barreled action back in the stock. Fired at 200 yards prone.

I still own the rifle, but it has "morphed" over the years:



It is still one of the most reliably accurate rifles I own, and it is still a joy to shoot after all these years.

Resp'y,
Bob S.

[Fick_2141]

I just completed un-sporterzing an 03. It cost me $650.
It has a new GI HS-44 barrel.
New CMP wood.
It needed everything minus the original receiver.
It came out great and worth every penny.

[Dollar Bill]

$650's a good average, Fick_2141. I'll have 800 in the 03 and 500 in the A3, and worth every penny to me, also.
The 03 will be a "Poor Man's match rifle" with Lyman sights and shooting bullets cast from wheel weights.
Reliable accuracy, Bob. I think that's what got me started on Springfields. I don't know why that is, but even my A3, in the condition/configuration I got it in for $100, with a hacked off barrel and chopped stock, will consistantly put 5 rounds in the black of an SR1 from the seated position.