1903 Sporter, unknown origin and sight question

[--glh]

Good morning,

This my first time posting here, so if "m in the wrong place please advise.

I acquired a 1903 Springfield in a trade, in 1971. I know nothing of it’s background prior to that. The rifle had been sporterized when I acquired it, I have no idea by whom or when. The rifle was re-blued in 1972 and later drilled and tapped for a scope. The original rear sight was removed and lost. I am almost certain it was a Lyman 48C. Owing to the cut-out, I speculate one of the first 2 variants. I would like to replace the missing sight. I can’t find a Lyman, can anyone suggest the appropriate Williams or Redfield?

From the serial number (1,9xx,xxx), I believe it was manufactured in 1919. That should place it after the period of tempering problems. I used it for hunting in Wyoming with no problems. I would say it’s condition is between very good and excellent. I would greatly appreciate any information anyone could provide about the possible origins of this piece. Although I have no intention of selling, I would be interested in determining the value of the piece. I am including a few images. Thank you.

Attachment 99202

Information

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[m1903rifle]

Looks like it is a "sporterized"/modified NRA Sporter stock based on the placement of the reinforcing pins. Does it have another pin in the forearm to the rear of the sling swivel? The rifle didn't have a hit in SRS, so it is a little early for a NRA Sporter. I have a very similar "sporterized NRA Sporter that does have a hit in SRS.

[--glh]

No, there is no pin in the forearm. Having looked at a number sporterized 1903s on line, the ones that look similar to mine were done by Griffith & Howe. I can't find any marks on the barrel

[rugersworld]

Only a lyman 48 will fit that cutout and the mounting holes correctly. Keep looking.
A lyman 57 has the same hole spacing but the position of the holes in the sight base are different. It would mount more forward on the receiver meaning you have to remove more of the stock.
Not sure about the Williams or redfield hole placement.
Online auction sites should have a lyman 48.

[Herschel]

The sight you need for your rifle is a Lyman 48C or 48S. The elevation scale on the slide should be numbered to 125, The scale is in minutes of angle, not yards to target. The Lyman 48 sight used on the 1903 NRA Sporters and most high grade custom 1903 rifles prior to WW II was the 48S.
It differs from the 48C in that the windage scale on the 48S was behind the peep sight and the threaded hole that the aperture disc fitted into had a small hinged peep on the front that could be turned down to permit aiming through the threaded hole when hunting and quick target acquisition
was more important than a small increase in accurate aiming through a smaller hole.

Either 48S or 48C would look the same on your rifle but the 48C is harder to find as they are in demand for people that are making a correct rifle of a 1922 Series (.22 cal.) Springfield or a 1903 NRA Sporter.

These sights show up often on ebay or on gunbroker. They usually sell in the $125 to $175 range, depending on condition. One warning, the windage/elevation slide that goes on the 1903 will have a slight step up in it to allow it to go over the bridge. Lyman 48 sights were for many rifles and there has been some swapping of slides on them. Regardless if the base says 48C, the slide may be off another sight.

Post WWII Lyman 48 sights have a shallower base that will probably not fill the notched out place in your stock. The later ones are designed to fit over the stock so that no notching out was required. If you find a sight, make sure the slide is numbered to 125. The later ones may be numbered to as low as 60.