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    Contributing Member ssgross's Avatar
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    my new, broken 1903a3

    I found and acquired a 1903a3 that needs some TLC. It's stock is broken at the wrist. The bolt handle has been mutilated, and the barrel was cut back.
    Attachment 116164Attachment 116163Attachment 116162
    The price was good. The original Redfield mount made it better. I haven't been able to find a mount anywhere, and when I do see them they are very very expensive.

    First up, it needs a new barrel. I can't find any criterion barrels in stock anywhere. Does anyone have any experience with the NOS barrels at Sarco? 1903A3 Springfield Barrel 4 Groove - SARCO, Inc
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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.
     

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    Legacy Member Glynn863's Avatar
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    Check the CMPicon forum for NOS barrels and post in the WTB area. There are several people there who usually don't always advertise what they have, but they will respond to a WTB. Same goes for the stock. Are you wanting to restore to original military configuration, or keep it sporterized?

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    Contributing Member ssgross's Avatar
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    I have a new Minelli stock on the way - brownells has them in stock. Since it already drilled and has a good quality Redfield base on it, I will put it back to it's original configuration, swappable as a clone A4. I wanted to do a new production barrel, but can't find one. Next best at the same price would be a NOS usgi barrel. My only worry is that the Sarco found some long forgotten crate of rejects.

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    Legacy Member rugersworld's Avatar
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    I saw some NOS barrels on ebay last week. Cant remember if they were A3 or 1903. They were still in the greased wrap. A seller from montana or wyoming.

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    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ssgross View Post
    stock is broken at the wrist.
    That's too bad too. It's a really nice profile of sporter stock, just what I like. No easy repair either...too bad. Looks like someone passed it right across a tree to do it.
    Regards, Jim

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    Contributing Member ssgross's Avatar
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    I just took possession today at my ffl and got it home. the underside of the barrel has some pretty bad rust going on, as does the front surface of the trigger. surface rust on the milled floor plate. The receiver is clean...the gunsmith that did the polishing and bluing left the parkerized finish under the woodline, and it did its job over the years. When I pulled it out of the box, the buttstock separated. here it is...
    Attachment 116191Attachment 116192Attachment 116193
    I was hoping to find a mark, or penciled signature somewhere under the buttplate or in the inletting to identify the gunsmith. The job on the bolt handle is interesting. I've seen some jeweled 1903 bolts, but none like this. It looks like it was done "in place", as I can't see any evidence of the original being cut off and a new one welded on. Were these handles sold aftermarket? or did someone painstakingly redo the original?

    as regards barrels...sarco says theirs is still packed in grease. if no one has anything negative to say to the contrary, I'll order one. what I saw NOS on ebay was a ridiculous price.'

    Jim, if you would like to try your hand at fixing the stock, it's yours. I'll splurge for the shipping too if you promise to post every step in detail with pictures! There was no rear screw bushing, but likely as you said someone beat a tree with it. Sad...but it's in safe hands now!

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    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ssgross View Post
    if you would like to try your hand at fixing the stock,
    No thanks, just too bad. Nice profile of stock.
    Regards, Jim

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    Contributing Member usabaker's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by browningautorifleicon View Post
    Originally Posted by ssgross
    if you would like to try your hand at fixing the stock,
    No thanks, just too bad. Nice profile of stock.
    Regards, Jim
    I'm half tempted to send you the postage for the lost case and take it on just for Shoots and Giggles. But I have too many projects already I need to complete. Would be fun though, It's one of those cases that fixing it would cost more than buying the replacement if it was brought to a shop and just not worth it. Because of the break location, that one is going to require grafting of new wood and inletting just so the stock would act as a solid piece again and hold correctly to the recoil and motion/flex.
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    Contributing Member ssgross's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by usabaker View Post
    I'm half tempted to send you the postage for the lost case and take it on
    I thought about trying my hand at it just for the practice, but I despise sporter stocks with a cheekpiece...they are always on the wrong side!
    postage would be on me, all you gotta do is fix it and post along the way.

    My kids have already begun to speculate stories as to how it ended up this way...lots of fun.

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  14. #10
    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
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    I'm no sure it would be a successful repair, biscuits, dowels...pins... Nope.
    Regards, Jim

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