1903 With Lyman Peep Sight Help

[Bulls-I_24]

I have a RIA 1903 with a 1918 barrel date that has a Lyman peep sight. From what I understand they are NRA based and popular from the 50s-70s? I believe the front sight blade is a Lyman also because it looks like it has a white plastic bead on the tip.
I would like to restore it to original condition. I somewhat tried to remove the rear peep by removing the only screw but the sight just seems to rock around, I tried depressing the push button on the side but was still not able to wiggle it off. I am also not sure what would be the best method for removing the front blade without causing damage. I believe I found an original front blade sight, a "high hump" pre 1919 upper hand guard (because it has a 03A3 hand guard installed currently) and i think i also found an original rear sight assembly. I think im missing the front sling swivel also, guess i should have got it out and looked . Im not sure on patching the reciever holes either, JB weld . Wow....looking at it on paper I see there is a lot more that needs done than i realized. It does have a straight stock ("S" Stock ?) which i f i can remember from previous research that would be correct for an 03. Maybe ill try to get a picture up.

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[Mike D]

You have to remove the slide on the Lyman to access the other screw. But why mess with it? With holes already in the receiver, leave things as is.

One '03 that I still want to add to my small collection is an '03 with a Lyman rear, FRSB removed and A3 HG in place, with C-stock. One of these days...

[Bulls-I_24]

I would like to be back to original condition.... I found the other screw...the aperture has to raised all the way to access it.....I guess that"s what Mike meant by move the slide. Sorry Mike, I guess i didn't catch on to that one I had no idea what you were talking about for a while there! Anyone have any ideas on how to fill the holes properly?
I got a proper top hand guard....unfinished wood.....how do i make it match my rifle color?...or what was the proper stock finish? I was also wrong about the stock type....It's a scant not a straight stock.
The Lyman I pulled off could be for sale or trade if any one is interested. I will get around and put an ad in the WTS section.
I tried fitting the top hand guard but the middle band is to small.....was the band for the 1903 different then the one on a 1903a3? Anyone know of a good place to find 1903 parts?Attachment 27007Attachment 27008

[Mike D]

Glad you figured it out, 'cause I was just going off of what I have heard!

Trying to put it back to original configuration is a noble thing to do, but probably more trouble than what it is worth!

Re-attaching the fixed rear sight base is tough, and I honestly don't know who I would trust to do it properly. Maybe Chuck?

When removing the front sight blade pin, I use a "starter" punch to get things going. Then the proper size punch. Soaking it in penetrating oil will help, no doubt. I always drive the pin left to right for removal, opposite for install.

As far as matching the handguard, I have heard Fiebings leather dye but that involves mixing colors. In other words, trial and error! But match it to what?? You need a RIA finger-groove stock to be correct!

Either lower band should fit. It might be that the handguard is oversized. Sounds like you got a new repro?

As far as the holes for the peep sight, it will never be "original" again. Put in some filler screws and call it done. Receivers properly D&T'd for the Lyman will always be sought after.

Bill Ricca's Home Page and http://ssporters.com/ have original parts.

[Col. Colt]

Someone went to a fair degree of trouble to turn your RIA 03 into a target rifle. Why not leave it at that and get a more suitable 03 to enjoy/restore? You cannot fix the holes in the Reciever, and that's that. Remounting the original rear sight, replacing wood and matching it, etc, you are going to spend the price of a nice 1903 just doing all of this. If you don't like the rifle as it is, you will be money and time ahead finding a correct rifle and trading/selling this one. Better yet, shoot it in it's original form and you might just want to keep it...... My .02, it is, after all, your time and money. CC

[rugersworld]

Go to midway or brownells and buy plug screws to fill the holes. Then you can file them flush and re-blue. It will be noticable but look better than shade tree epoxy. Might as well do this part right also if going through he trouble of everything else.

[Rick H.]

Just my .02cents worth, but why not leave the gun alone and shoot it the way it is. It should be a ton of fun with the Lyman sights. Otherwise I would sell it off and let someone else have fun with those sights and take the money you get for the rifle and buy a different one. You can plug holes but it isn't cheap if you want it done properly.

Rick H.