1903 A3 Springfield small holes in top of receiver

[2a1973]

Please pardon my ignorance as I'm new to bolt actions, and the Springfield in particular (although I've always wanted one) I just acquired a 1903 A3 Remington. It has two very small holes in the top of the receiver placed on the M in Model and the 0 in 03. I'm assuming they were for a scope at some point. The first hole on the M does not go all the way through, the second on the 0 does. My question is, I'd like to keep this rifle "as-is" and use it, is it safe to fire this way?

Attachment 113532

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Information

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[browningautorifle]

Yes, at some time in it's past someone drilled and tapped it for a scope block. It looks fine but hard to say from here. Those holes won't affect anything for safety unless they go into the chamber and you'd know already if they did. If in doubt, take the bolt out and stick a toothpick down in and look through.

[2a1973]

Thanks Jim. Not the best pic, but sticking a pin through this is where it ends up


Attachment 113533

[browningautorifle]

The only problem you could have there is a screw interfering with the bolt operation if you had a scope block on there. Looks like the chamber's safe. Bet the rifle is OK too...let us know how it shoots?

[2a1973]

cool thanks, I'll probably just stick to iron sights and leave the holes as they are. hopefully I'll get it out there soon and let you know how it goes

---------- Post added at 02:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:48 PM ----------

though I don't have much experience with scope mounts that need to be drilled / tapped, I thought the same thing...the holes are very small

[ssgross]

I've never seen holes for scope mounts so small. Looks more like someone drilled the pilot holes, and then forgot to drill out the final ones or changed their minds. I've never drilled/tapped my own (yet), but I've read some suggestions on these very hard receivers to drill a pilot first. One of the great smiths will likely chime in on it and correct me if I'm wrong.
The third "hole" looks like a punch or inspectors mark. It's on all my Remington 03's (I don't own a Springfield and can't verify) - I've never read it described in the books on my shelf.

[browningautorifle]

Looks more like someone drilled the pilot holes

Maybe...

[ssgross]

the attached picture is very large and high-res - good enough to see those holes aren't tapped. One of the fun parts of old rifles with stories is guessing at the myriad possibilities of things you will never know. Quite possible they were drilled and botched the positioning, and sold the rifle rather than fix it. But this certainly won't diminish the fun you'll have shooting it. The wood on the stock looks very nice too.

[2a1973]

yeah I can't wait to get it out there. the wood looks pretty good, there's some extra runoff in places of whatever they used to refinish it at some point. but overall it's nice

[2a1973]

finally had a chance to get to the range today it shot really well. Only issue is the rear peep sight had to be cranked all the way over to the right to get somewhat sighted in. I know there's a small set screw that you can loosen and move the whole assembly over, as I did this at home to center it. I didn't bring a mini screw driver with me to the range, so I'll have to try out next time