My "new" 1903 Springfield from 1918

[Saleen]

Back in 2006 I took the plunge and ordered 2 M1903s and 3 SA Garands from the CMP. A few weeks later the boxes arrived and I was met with initial disappointment from 4 of the 5. All were Greek returns and only one of the Garands had wood that I would consider keeping. Upon closer inspection, however, they all seemed to be in excellent mechanical condition. All had excellent bores with low ME/TE readings, so I figured that I didn't do too horribly.

The ugliest 1903 by far was a 1918 one that was just barely in the high S/N range. It still had it's 1918 barrel on it, and the barrel looked just about new on the inside. Unfortunately, the stock was by far the most hideous thing ever affixed to a piece of military iron. It was a scant stock with enough chips out of it to suggest that an angry family of beavers had taken out some aggression on it.

Given the condition of the barrel, I decided to restore it into a shooter, but attempts to locate an original finger groove stock proved unsuccessful. After a few months, I decided to have a new one manufactured, and contacted Michael Kokolus in PA to handle the job. Michael M. Kokolus Custom Gun Stock Duplicating After several months, he returned a beautiful stock to me that was 99% ready to install. I had a friend glass bed it to my action, then had another friend finish it in a way similar to the way they were origianlly done, followed by several heating and cooling cycles, cosmoline, and burlap rubs. While eccentric sounding, I cannot argue with the results!

Finally, I had the whole gun re-parkerized by Tim Shufflin. I know that the gun was originally blued, but it was a GI rebuild that had already been parkerized so I decided to go back with a Maganese finish.

Two weeks ago I finally got all of the pieces put together, then headed out to the range to figure out how it shot. The only ammo I have is Greek CMP surplus, so it is by not means match grade fodder, but I was stunned by how it shot. This rifle is VERY ACCURATE (especially considering the fact that my eyes just don't pick up iron sights like they used to.

All in all I'm very happy with the end result, and have included a few pics to share. Enjoy!










Final group of the day


Some rough sight-in work at the 50 yard line got groups touching or near touching usually. I think that the groups will do better at 100, but I'll need a bigger target to concentrate on.

I also shot two of the Garands (also don by Tim Shufflin) and they printed pretty darned good as well. They ain't nearly as much fun to clean though!



Saleen

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[bodydenny]

Without question,that is one gorgeous rifle!! Well done,Sir!!!!!

[Jim Tarleton]

A beautiful job well done. You have an excellent shooter indeed. I do like that stock, and it is evident that Kokolus does great work.

Can you elaborate on the "heating and cooling" cycles and the intent thereof?

Jim

[Jeff L]

A fine restoration. Nice shootin' too! Bravo!

-Jeff L

[minuteman]

A really beautiful job on returning that weapon to useful life. Congratulations! Your barrel appears to be correct for the SN and the group looks pretty good. Out of curiousity....what is the heigth of your front sight? I have your twin in SN and barrel date and original condition from CMP was the same. My rifle shoots nice groups but they are very high and I have been playing with making a taller replacement.

[Arisaka99]

Can't argue with the results; a very nice looking rifle! the wood finish process sounds laborious and filled with some "urban lore" about what is required to duplicate original color and sheen. A good scrubbing followed by a few coats of properly applied Fairtrimmers is an easier stock treatment and comes out VERY well.

[Donzi]

Okay, I'll bite: What's "Fairtrimmers"? I'm assuming it's some type of stock finish, but it's sure new to me.
Donzi

[Arisaka99]

Fairtrimmer's Military oX gunstock oil

I bought and use it. Good stuff; wood drinks it right up. Does not leave shiny finish or an improper color but seals as well as BLO.