sad looking 1903a3

[ssgross]

I've been looking for the right 1903a3 that needs some TLC to bring back - in my mind I always thought I'd find a sporterized something, preferably a smith corona.
I came across this recent wildfire victim today
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/883766437
It's kindof speaking to me - it would clearly require all the extreme measures I've wanted to learn more about and try for myself - electrolysis to clean it up, a new barrel and some new furniture and possibly other parts - careful fitting of a new stock, etc, and parkerizing
What worries me is re-heat-treating. Has anyone ever attempted this before? I imagine it can be done. Small furnaces for making blades are easy to come by, and temperature control is straight forward with todays laser thermometers. On the other hand, maybe there is a foundry somewhere that would do it for a fee?

Please don't yell at me, I'm not saying it's simple - just first thoughts. I realize there is plenty of science needed to learn before trying - exactly why this appeals to me, and hopefully some others here willing to provide some constructive thoughts. If you want to say "impossible", please elaborate with justification. I'm very interested.

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[champ0608]

I know there are firearms fire restoration services out there, meaning to some extent, where there's a will there's a way. Considering this one has been heated to the point of the receiver being discolored and pitted, I doubt there would be any re-heat-treating or shooting in its future. It would be a labor intensive and expensive project for a wall hanger, but that's not an un-worthy project. As you said, you'd develop a great deal of experience in certain gunsmithing techniques. If you do end up with it, and take on the project, of course I'd love to follow along.

[rcathey]

It's not often thought of this way but the venerable 30-06 cartridge is a pretty powerful little bomb.
I would 100% NOT trust this rifle to contain that bomb again under any circumstance.

1903A3s aren't that expensive. New faces are very expensive.

[ssgross]

It's not often thought of this way but the venerable 30-06 cartridge is a pretty powerful little bomb.
I would 100% NOT trust this rifle to contain that bomb again under any circumstance.

1903A3s aren't that expensive. New faces are very expensive.

Salvaging the receiver I think would be the only must-do, all else is replacable (I remember a joke that may apply to some your thoughts about "Washington's axe" which had the handle replaced 200 years ago, and the blade replaced 100 years ago).
The real question is whether it is possible to accurately re-heat treat the receiver to factory specs - and of course if anyone has done this. I would not take on the project for a wall hanger. I fully agree that faces are expensive - which is why the minimum standard would have to be as good as factory specs. I'm not worried about putting money in to the rifle, as long as it is indeed possible. What would be involved?
To champ's point, the disfiguration of the receiver might make any salvage out of the question. It seems like there is a lot of material converted to scaling in the fire, making it too far gone. I'm guessing a charred stock wasn't removed, but completely burned up in the fire, which gives some idea of what the rifle went through.

EDIT: A bit of googling in other forums turned up http://www.industrialheattreat.com/AboutUs.html, which provides heat-treating services for gunsmiths. I can think of better ways to throw away ~100+ bucks (price+shipping+ffl fee) than giving this a try - unless of course there is some optimism in the group to convince me otherwise.

[browningautorifle]

whether it is possible to accurately re-heat treat the receiver to factory specs

With all the times that has been discussed, I've never heard any solution of anyone willing to undertake. Only conjecture.

I wouldn't buy any part of that rifle or bayonet for any reason. It's completely cooked.

[browningautorifle]

Thought I'd save a set of pics here because once that sale ends the pics will disappear, we can look back this way.

[sloporsche]

IMHO that is too far gone to ever see gun powder again but you sure will have bragging rights if you can bring it back to a wall mounting. The only other suggestion is if you must start this project buy it now.......from what i have seen on gun broker is things selling for unreal prices not of this world. You will have the admiration of thousands if you make that zombie rise

[Daan Kemp]

Cast it in a block of clear resin for a display piece. Or clean it totally and see what it looks like. However, trusting the strength of the steel after the heat treatment it already has gone through does not gender good feelings.

[ssgross]

With all the times that has been discussed, I've never heard any solution of anyone willing to undertake. Only conjecture.

Well, wishful thinking together with beer have produced worse ideas
The other evening, beer in hand, I tried to explain the situation to my wife as "if it can't be done, I'll at least have one really cool paper weight"...to which the reply was that I didn't need another paper weight, no way in hell it could be taken to the office as a cool conversation paper weight in today's world, and I could, after all, instead spend the $100+ after shipping and transfer fee (yep, still requires ffl) on good parts to complete the other worn out milsurps sitting in my shop which have a much better chance at new life.
I've taken her advice and passed on the paperweight.

To brownings' point, I have read a great deal of internet speculation about re-heat treating - none of course as cordial and well mannered as here. The discussion is typically around whether a low numbered receiver can be treated, and then religious points of view taking either side or the middle. I'll leave the question of metallurgy and what is possible to the science books. It was nice to find that there is at least one company out there can properly heat-treat gun metals as a service. I'm sure they know what they are doing, which is why they have been able to make a business of it.

[sloporsche]

you chose wisely