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  1. #1
    Legacy Member M60/M1tanker's Avatar
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    1903 A1 rifle

    Looking to finish out my ww2 collection with an '03'...to replace a rough one I sold years back. Would like to find an 03 A1 rifle. I like the pistol grip stock. Would it also be true that the A1's being made between the wars, and not under a rush to build, would be better..fit n finish wise?...Any info appreciated...
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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

  3. #2
    Legacy Member RCS's Avatar
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    The pre WW2 Type C stock should have a drawing number D-1836 behind the pistol grip, the hand guard also
    had its own drawing number too

    I believe the drawing numbers started around 1936

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    Advisory Panel John Beard's Avatar
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    Except for DCM sales rifles, no M1903A1 service rifles were assembled prior to 1936. So from a collector standpoint, you should seek an M1903A1 rifle having a serial number greater than S/N 1,500,000.

    Fit and finish is another matter altogether. You're looking for a rifle that's 85 years old. At that age, fit and finish are governed more by prior usage, care, and storage than by original manufacture.

    Good Luck! And stay safe!

    J.B.

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    Legacy Member Hermit's Avatar
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    Howdy. I have a Springfield Armory M1903A1 in great condition. It was made in 1933, according to a book by Bruce N. Canfield. The barrel is marked SA 2-33. Though the rifle is clean in every way, the bolt and extractor have a lot of wear. The bolt is also SA and I'm sure was not installed new in this rilfe. I bought two new-condition black bolt bodies and an un-issued extractor. Here is my dilemma: Neither of the new bolts will fit through the rear receiver ring with the new, or old, extractors installed. The old bolt won't fit with the new extractor installed. They just wedge tight once the curve in the extractor gets about 3/4 way into the receiver. Only the old bolt assembly fits. The problem is giving me fits. Any idea what's the scoop?

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    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by M60/M1tanker View Post
    I like the pistol grip stock.
    I always like them better too, looked more like a shooters rifle.
    Regards, Jim

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    Contributing Member Atticus Thraxx's Avatar
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    Hermit us there anyway you can post a picture of what your describing? Have you taken your micrometer to it and see where the dimensions differ from the old and new bolt?

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    Contributing Member mrclark303's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by browningautorifleicon View Post
    I always like them better too, looked more like a shooters rifle.
    Absolutely, love my C stocked A4 build, I haven't shot her in a long while, I must get and shoot her soon.....

  11. #8
    Contributing Member ssgross's Avatar
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    I just bought a Dec. 1942 manufacture m1903 - last month of production. It has the starting cuts on the bridge for the a3 rear sight, as in this picture
    Attachment 110882
    I saw a nice article once on these - some tooling had been switched to a3 already, but supply of parts in the bin dictated whether the receiver was finished as an a3, or m1903. My google foo can't seem to find it again at the moment.
    My rifle wears a brand new CMPicon c-stock.
    There are plenty of WW2 m1903's out there that were "altered" by simply throwing them in a hunting stock. Many were taken very well care of too. If you want a shooter, this is probably the cheapest route to go. you may need a new front and rear sight and, of course, stock and handguard. Plenty of articles and posts on here about how to bring one of these back.

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