Need some advice. I have a 1903 that I bought

[Ardoc]

from the CMP.

The metal and wood are nice but the barrel is pretty nasty.

It will swallow an entire bullet and then some.

Its dark and to use the term pitting would be extremely generous. Its so corroded you really cant see the rifling near the muzzle.

I bought a new barrel from the CMP.

The question is do I install this new barrel or find a suitable original GI barrel that is more historically correct?

And who can install the barrel for me? Thanks!

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[Calif-Steve]

Chuckindenver did my '17 and did it right. He does have some '03 barrels for sale. Try him, he is talented and honest. Good luck.

[Mike D]

If the rifle came from the CMP, I would put a military barrel on it. And I would try to get one to match the date of the receiver. But that is just me, you do what is best for you.

I've never used Chuck, but I here he is good. He knows '03's. But finding someone close to you might save you some money on shipping. Never hurts to shop.

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Chuck has a great deal of experience with these rifles and the proper tools to work on them, etc.

His rates are reasonable enough they might offset the shipping expenses if that's a concern. He won't 'gig' you as some gunsmiths do, and he has worked on so many of these guns it doesn't take him as long to do the work as it might for some gunsmiths who don't have a lot of experience with these old guns.

Plus it's good to know the work will be done right by a gunsmith who specializes on these old rifles. I'd have him go through your rifle and check everything out while he had it.

JMO, but I feel positive referrals from happy customers should always be taken into consideration.