Gibbs 1903A4 want to replace barrel

[Ben Cartwright]

I picked up a couple NOS USGI 1903 barrels (5-44 & 8-44) still in cosmoline at the Concord NH gunshow this past weekend.
I got them as I am considering replacing the Criterion barrel that my Gibbs came with, with a USGI Surplus Barrel, because I am going to be shooting in the Cast Bullet Assoc Postal Matches and in their Military Modified Class you have to have a issue receiver and issue barrel.

I want to make sure whatever gunsmith does the job that I could put the Criterion barrel back on if it shoots worse with the GI barrel.
I am going to call my local gunsmith in North Attleboro MA but know know what experience he has with 03 barrels.

Can anyone recommend a really top notch gunsmith who works on GI 03's?

Information

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[Dave in N GA]

I'm confused here. Did you pick up two 1903 barrels or two 03A3 barrels? If you in fact have the 1903 barrel with its barrel mounted rear sight base then you have a problem. The rear sight base will have to come off and the barrel diameter is smaller than the standard 03A3 barrel. It will look 'funny'. If you have the A3 barrel it is pretty straight forward to replace the critterion barrel and still be able to go back to it if you change your mind. Just be sure to tell your gunsmith you want to save the criterion barrel so he won't mark it up thinking it is to be scrapped.

I'm confused here because if you have two of the 1903 barrels you have made a great catch! 03 barrels are hard to come by and worth about twice what an A3 barrel is worth. Due to the relative scarcity of the 03 barrel you might not want to modify one to fit on your rifle. You could probably post it on-line as sell and/or trade it for the correct barrel.

Hope this helps you make an informed decision.

[Mike D]

Ben - If your barrels are marked with an "RA" they are for the A3 and you are good to go. Switching out the barrels should not be a real chore for a 'smith. Worse case he would have to turn a little off the shoulder. Reaming the chamber a little is normal with new barrels.

ChuckinDenver is a reputable 'smith here online. Look him up, if need be.

[Ben Cartwright]

They are RA 03A3 barrels, they don't have the rear sight just the front one. I feel I paid the going price for them, but figured it won't hurt to have them on hand (sort of like my 10 Coleman Lanterns - just got 4 more at a antique market)

[Calif-Steve]

Chuckindenver is the only guy I trust.

[Chuckindenver]

thanks for the kind words.
i am up and running....back to a fast turn around.

[JGaynor]

Ben, just out of curiosity is your barrel actually marked Criterion?

It appears that Gibbs has actually used 3 or 4 sources for barrels.

Regards,
Jim