M1903-A3 Barrel Band Issue

[mountaineer273]

For a year or so now, I have had a Remington 1903A3 that I bought for a decent price at a gun show. It is a fun and accurate shooter but has one problem. The rear barrel band wants to slide forward over the retention spring after shooting just a few rounds. I have tried it with the screw both tightened all the way and loosened slightly and the issue occurs every time I take it out. I have also disassembled the rifle and tried tweaking with the retention spring some to no avail. Any suggestions on what I could do?

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[browningautorifle]

Welcome to the forum, how about replacing the spring?

[mountaineer273]

Thanks! I have thought about replacing the spring, but nothing appears to be wrong with it as far as I can tell.

[browningautorifle]

Thing about some of these parts is you can't tell if they're worn out or down sometimes. Specially if something is "New". It's been the case before that parts are refinished to look perfect but they were worn down to start. I'll bet a new spring will end the problem.

[mountaineer273]

Sounds like the best idea then. Should I order a new band too just in case?

[Calif-Steve]

Try to find a '03 band. Milled and better.

[mountaineer273]

I think that would look weird on an A3 though, wouldn't it?

[mountaineer273]

Problem solved! I took a rubber band and tied the end into two knots and put it under the end of the spring. The band provided outward pressure on the spring and sure enough after putting 50 rounds through the rifle, the barrel band stayed in place!

[butlersrangers]

What a great idea. Clever!

[mountaineer273]

I have to say though, I posted about this problem on several of the gun forums that I am on and someone there said to do that. I figured I'd try it before I ordered any parts and it worked.