Looking for info and opinions, want to build 1903

[Johnny Peppers]

If you are looking to build a 1903 rifle, that is not the place to start as the stock is too far gone to ever restore to 1903 configuration. As others have suggested, you could build a sporter type rifle using a 1903 or 03-A3 barreled action.

[fogell]

I think Ill just try and find the parts and build it as is, have some fun with it. But what would be a decent price to be paying for everything I need? Also any good places online to look? And I know my brother also has a stock just laying around, so I took a look and it also appears to be a cut up 1903, although different then what I have. Not sure which one I would want to use, or maybe eventually both and have them set up different, or maybe one built for another caliber.

[supercub]

I think Ill just try and find the parts and build it as is, have some fun with it. But what would be a decent price to be paying for everything I need? Also any good places online to look? And I know my brother also has a stock just laying around, so I took a look and it also appears to be a cut up 1903, although different then what I have. Not sure which one I would want to use, or maybe eventually both and have them set up different, or maybe one built for another caliber.

You could pick up something like this: 1903 Remington 30-06 Sporter, not 030A3 : Bolt Action Rifles at GunBroker.com
if you can get it cheap enough. You get all the parts and it'll drop right in. If nothing else, you have a Rem 1903 receiver and parts worth probably what you pay for the gun if it doesn't go much higher. Should be a good shooter and fun gun. Just a thought.

Kurt

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Just a personal opinion ($ .02) -

I would forget about trying to use that $20 stock and buy a 1903-A3 or 1903 outright. The one shown has been polished and blued so it's probably near it's value. People just don't want sporterized 1903's unless it was done by a true craftsman. They're hard to get rid of if you want to sell. It would probably save you more in the long run, and certainly worth a lot more in parked military trim and original configured stock. (JMO)

[fogell]

Just a personal opinion ($ .02) -

I would forget about trying to use that $20 stock and buy a 1903-A3 or 1903 outright. The one shown has been polished and blued so it's probably near it's value. People just don't want sporterized 1903's unless it was done by a true craftsman. They're hard to get rid of if you want to sell. It would probably save you more in the long run, and certainly worth a lot more in parked military trim and original configured stock. (JMO)

The only reason I would think about using this is if and only if I could find parts cheap enough. I understand they aren't worth much, I most likely wouldn't sell it anyway. It was just a thought that if it could be cheap it would be nice to have. Later on I would like to get a nice 1903 not sporterized also but if I can have fun with this one for now for a good price I want to

[Chuckindenver]

good and cheap, arent words that usually mix well...
save some money, and get something nice that you can shoot and enjoy..rather then through a bunch of money at junk that wll never work or shoot right.
for 500.00 you can get a solid 1903 in military trim..

[supercub]

Assuming Fogell simply wants something to put in THAT stock for sentimental or other reasons, he'll be hard pressed to come up with decent parts at a price worth what he's putting it in. His stock is only worth $entiment to him, firewood to others and won't be worth anymore than that...agreed.
I think his line of thinking is he wants to put out the least amount at this time and use his stock. Later, if he likes to shoot it, likes the whole experience, and comes down with a case of 1903 fever, he can suffer with many of us here and the $$$$ that goes with it.
Chuck, if one has the access, knows the right people, or just gets lucky sometimes, you could come up with a $500 solid 1903 in trim. In the corner of the world I live in, it won't happen. I have no idea of his area, but he certainly should go beat the local bushes and do some looking before he decides his best options.

jmho

Kurt

[rugersworld]

I would be bummed if I got that stock passed down to me instead of the rest of the rifle!

[Chuckindenver]

take a walk through any gunshow, youll find value, have cash in hand, know what you want, and make an offer, cash is king,,,and BS walks.
example...see a nice 1903 SA for 625.00 on a table, look close, make sure its a double heat treat and has a good bore, remove the bolt and look down the barrel.
be respectful, ask first to handle the rifle, if its something you want,,, ask, are you flexable on this price,,...likely they will say yes, make an offer,
make your offer,
if he say no thanks..tell him thanks, and walk away,,,,come back later sunday,, smile and say,,my offer is still good, i have cash,...chances are,..youll own the rifle...
if not,..ok...you tried, lots of 1903,s for sale...
FYI> i do business with 1903 collectors in AK...they are like any other shooter,.. search your area for local gunshows,.

[Chuckindenver]

look took me 15 seconds on the net,, you have a couple months to save some cash,,and gas up the pickup, and buy an 03..
Palmer Lions @ Alaska Gun Shows