Resurrection: Restoring an 03-A3 Drill Rifle to a Shooter

[no4mk1t]

Disclaimer:
This rifle was bought and restored to shooting configuration because it was a non-typical Drill Rifle. The magazine cut off was not welded, and the barrel/receiver weld was very small. The existing parkerizing exhibited no discoloration. After being reparkerized, the receiver was uniform in color as shown in the pics. Because of this it was reasoned that no significant changes in the receivers heat treatment had occurred. Regardless, the headspace will be monitored over the next several hundred rounds fired to allay all fears.

Picked up a 03-A3 Smith-Corona Drill Rifle at a gunshow a few weeks back. This one was not welded on the magazine cut off and this was why I bought it. Unusually, the receiver/barrel weld was on top, but was very small. Little more than a tack weld.
A quick examination revealed what other parts were needed, and they were picked up at the same show.
I called my smith a few days later about restoring it to shooting condition, and he mentioned that he had a brand new Smith-Corona barrel.
The barreled action was taken over and the old barrel removed. The barrel weld was very small and mostly on the barrel. No discoloration from the welding was evident on the receiver.
That Saturday, I re-parkerized the receiver and other small parts that were to be re-used. Saturday afternoon, we were back at the smith's for new barrel installation.
Ordered a new stock from CMP. After a week and a half, it arrived. Got it fitted and finished with linseed oil.
Took it to the range Sunday. Like a dummy, I forgot to bring a small screwdriver to center up the rear sight base. Consequently, I only shot 20 rounds to see how it grouped until I can center up the sight base. This project progressed rather rapidly compared to other gun projects that usually take months. This one was 3 weeks from gunshow purchase to finished.

Here's a few pics of the project.

Before:


After removing old barrel. New barrel pictured. Note area of weld on receiver is not discolored.


Re-parked and ready to go back together.


Further evidence of no temper change. New parkerizing is uniform in color.


When assembled, grinder damage is not evident.


New stock as received form CMP. Stained, but not finished with linseed oil.


First coat of linseed oil. Lay it on heavy. Stock will soak it up like a sponge.


24 hours later, the oil is absorbed. Apply second coat of oil lighter than first. You want to feed the stock all it will take, but no more. Third coat apply thinly with your finger. Fourth coat if you really want to be sure no more will soak in. Fifth coat if you're anal.


Finished stock.


Finished rifle.




How it shoots. 100yds. Not too bad for 50+ year old peepers.

Information

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[Midmichigun]

WOW! Nice job!
I really like that stock. I am glad that the CMP stock worked out for you... did you have any fitment problems with it?
BTW, I have never seen a weld on the top of the receiver!
Thanks for posting!!

[no4mk1t]

My smith said the same thing. First time he ever saw a Drill Rifle welded on top.
The only trouble with the stock was with the rear screw hole. The stock screw binded against the forward part of the hole. A few seconds with the Dremel relieved it.

[Prince Humperdink]

That turned out really nice.My Smith Corona had a welded cutoff and under barrel,but it is a tack driver.Congrats on a great"resurrection"

[no4mk1t]

Yes, I am very pleased with how the rifle turned out.
Now to get a solid 200yd. zero, order up a USMC front sight, and see if I can do any good with it in next years Rifleman's Weekend in the Springfield match.

[Mike D]

Very nice restore!

[no4mk1t]

Very nice restore!

Thanks!
Where in SC are you? I'm near Tiger Town.

[Mike D]

Thanks!
Where in SC are you? I'm near Tiger Town.

30 minutes west of the capital. Not a Clemson fan myself, but they sure played a hell of a game yesterday!

[no4mk1t]

I have a High Power shooting bud that lives on Calks Ferry Rd. off I-20. Sounds like you might be near him.
I'm not a fan either. This time of year is a pain if your plans involve getting to the other side of Clemson on game day.

[Brian Dick]

I've been Parkerizing 1903 drill receivers for a friend who restores the rifles. The welds are usually high nickel content, (stainless), and won't take finish. Brownells makes a Parkerizing touch up paint that matches the new Parkerizing perfectly.