1903a3 Recently Inherited. Is It Worth Restoring?

[Kilotango]

Afternoon Everyone,

My grandfather recently handed down some firearms to me, namely this 1903a3 that's been sporterized. I initially thought that it was just a stock change, so I've bought a stock and the metal furniture but found out that the barrel wouldn't work with the stock because its 2in short and the sights wouldn't allow the use of the end cap anyhow. My question to you is if you think it would be worth it trying to throw a period correct barrel on and then put the stock I have on it... or simply call it a sporter and look for another 1903 down the road. I've got no money into this minus the 125 for the stock and metal furniture (I've "stained" the GI stock with Tung Oil to keep it looking at least somewhat correct)

I've looked up the rear sight... they've clearly taken the GI sights off and put what appears to be a Lyman 48? Feel free to correct me on that. I know that they drilled the reciever to put it on... so does that automatically mean that this rifle won't be worth much more than 400 bucks?

I know I've asked a lot, but any help is appreciated.

Thanks,
Kyle

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[Cosine26]

The rear sight looks like a Lyman 57 to me. Before even considering any restortion, I would suggest tht you should check to see that the reverse dovetail for mounting the GI sight has not been machned off. If it's gone ( a common altertion in making a sporter conjversion in the 50's and 60's) ; if the "sight mounting boss" is gone - no go on the restortion.
Hope this helps.

[Chuckindenver]

dovetail looks a little shy..hard to fix that

[Kilotango]

I took a picture of the top with the lyman top rail off. Does this help? If you can't see it in this picture I can take another.

Attachment 44208

[Mike D]

Even if you could install an original rear sight, you'd still have holes in the receiver and a shortened barrel. Not worth the restore, to me.

Besides, that's the way your Grandfather used it, so just leave it exactly as is.

Mike

[Rick the Librarian]

I agree - if the rear sight has been messed with and the front sight has been modified, not worth the effort.

[Salt Flat]

This is still a nice looking rifle that will probably shoot quite well. I would be proud to own it knowing my grandfather had used it. Salt Flat

[Fozzybear]

I'd be happy to use it as a rather cool period sporter.

[Calif-Steve]

It is a nice hunting rifle. Go and enjoy it.

[JGaynor]

I agree with the others. For what it would cost you to put this gun back in military trim you could just buy an A3. Since it was your grandfather's and apparently well used by him I would keep it as is.