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Posted: 2/2/2023 2:30:43 PM EDT
[#1]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I used to be discouraged by all the greedy hoarders, but I am more determined than ever. Sooner or later I will have a 1903 Springfield Are they really that hard to find in Canada? |
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Posted: 2/2/2023 3:07:43 PM EDT
[#2]
Here is my 03-A3. Remington make. Wearing an NOS stock that I bought several years ago. I've also got the original? C-stock stored away. I'm guessing the 11-43 on the barrel is the date of manufacture.
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Posted: 2/2/2023 4:03:15 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted: There's also the philosophy that any gun that hadn't been properly heat treated has been shot enough to have broken it by now. Wasn't the issue that there was a possibility of the receiver shattering if the bolt failed during firing? If that is the issue, then any receiver that hasn't had a bolt failure could still be suspect. |
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Posted: 2/2/2023 4:30:23 PM EDT
[#4]
If I got a low numbered Springfield, I would get it properly heat treated
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Posted: 2/2/2023 4:40:59 PM EDT
[#5]
I need to get a stock for my 1917, my 03 and 03a3 (both Remington) are both CMP purchases, so have correct wood.
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Posted: 2/2/2023 4:49:00 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted: There's also the philosophy that any gun that hadn't been properly heat treated has been shot enough to have broken it by now. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: IMHO, hold out for something other than a 1903A3. There's nothing wrong with a 1903A3, but if you're only going to get one, get the original. I'll probably get eviserated for this, but I've happily shot low number 1903s with light cast loads. The marines, being both cheap and not overly concerned never did pull the low number ones from service. There's also the philosophy that any gun that hadn't been properly heat treated has been shot enough to have broken it by now. Obviously, wear eye protection if doing this, Springfield Armory managed to NOT copy the Gew98's gas handling. ETA: It wasn't WW1 production ones, it was super early ones that he avoids, basically 1908-10, 1912 and 1915 Springfield Armory ones are the safest. |
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Posted: 2/2/2023 5:01:35 PM EDT
[#7]
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Posted: 2/2/2023 6:00:13 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted: If I got a low numbered Springfield, I would get it properly heat treated It isn't something that you can do after the fact for those serial numbers under the cutoffs. |
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Posted: 2/2/2023 6:41:34 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted: It isn't something that you can do after the fact for those serial numbers under the cutoffs. I'm pretty sure it can be done. |
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Posted: 2/2/2023 6:49:48 PM EDT
[#10]
I got a 1927 03 from the used gun rack at the local fun shop. Years of stopping in when I had time to check the used rack finally paid off.
Only.l paid $560 for it 3 years ago, maybe 4. |
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Posted: 2/2/2023 9:41:14 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I'm pretty sure it can be done. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: It isn't something that you can do after the fact for those serial numbers under the cutoffs. I'm pretty sure it can be done. By burning the steel during the forging process, its not necessarily annealable/carburizable. IMHO, I'd do what my friend does to select "good" low number ones, test it with some remotely fired stout loads, check for cracks, and shoot it with PPE and M2 ball loads....or I'd shoot it with reduced loads. But, if someone wants to roll the dice and shoot a 1912 Rock Island, which has an original barrel and no hatcher hole, its a free country. |
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Posted: 2/2/2023 10:05:04 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I'm pretty sure it can be done. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: It isn't something that you can do after the fact for those serial numbers under the cutoffs. I'm pretty sure it can be done. The Army report about this is available online and a very interesting read. Basically the early serials were heat treated by eyeball (receiver color), which produced varying results just by whether the sun was out or if it was a cloudy day. There is an explanation of why (back then) they didn’t mitigate the problem, and just let it go away by attrition; can’t remember the details just now. |
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Posted: 2/2/2023 10:10:37 PM EDT
[#13]
There is heat treating company in south western Ontario that does extremely sophisticated work.
They heat treat aircraft landing gear as well as very large dies that are used to stamp auto parts. This company also heat treats firearms. They have computer controlled furnaces as well as a materials testing lab. They even re-created the original Garand heat treatment using a copy of the original Garand blueprint. When I find a 1903, I will send it to them and see what they have to say. Check this out: Pitted Garand receiver.  Same receiver after laser welding.  Welded receiver annealed and machined.  Welded, Machined receiver after re-heat treating. Notice the scale  Receiver after the scale was removed.  Receiver after it was engraved, "Re-heat treated 2020" and reparkerized  Rifle after assembly  This rifle works perfectly and I was not afraid to put it in front of my face. |
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Posted: 2/2/2023 10:16:14 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted: If I got a low numbered Springfield, I would get it properly heat treated I had a chance to buy one that was pristine (sub 20k #) but I passed. |
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Posted: 2/2/2023 10:40:17 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted: If I got a low numbered Springfield, I would get it properly heat treated Just shoot it. Don't worry about it. |
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Posted: 2/2/2023 10:52:06 PM EDT
[#16]
What is this rifle you speak of and what is the magic within?
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Posted: 2/2/2023 11:16:38 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryA contender appears. |
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Posted: 2/2/2023 11:26:24 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryWhy are you so greedy? Can't you let someone else have one? |
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Posted: 2/2/2023 11:58:08 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Why are you so greedy? Can't you let someone else have one? Quote HistoryQuoted: Why are you so greedy? Can't you let someone else have one? Pot calls kettle black |
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Posted: 2/3/2023 3:30:47 PM EDT
[#20]
Anyone wanting a 1903 Springfield better buy it quickly before Fluffy starts buying them all and corners the market.
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Posted: 2/3/2023 4:56:11 PM EDT
[#21]
Here is my recent RIA.
Well what do you think? Looks like Bubba attacked the stock and wrenched on the barrel but overall a decent gun.       
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Posted: 2/3/2023 6:26:31 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Here is my recent RIA. Well what do you think? Looks like Bubba attacked the stock and wrenched on the barrel but overall a decent gun. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/136887/1000001523-2696462.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/136887/1000001531-2696463.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/136887/1000001532-2696465.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/136887/20230203_123516-2696466.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/136887/20230203_123459-2696467.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/136887/20230203_123444-2696468.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/136887/20230203_123533-2696469.jpg Nice USMC barreled action. Just need a good finger groove stock. |
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Posted: 2/3/2023 7:10:39 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Nice USMC barreled action. Just need a good finger groove stock. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Here is my recent RIA. Well what do you think? Looks like Bubba attacked the stock and wrenched on the barrel but overall a decent gun. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/136887/1000001523-2696462.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/136887/1000001531-2696463.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/136887/1000001532-2696465.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/136887/20230203_123516-2696466.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/136887/20230203_123459-2696467.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/136887/20230203_123444-2696468.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/136887/20230203_123533-2696469.jpg Nice USMC barreled action. Just need a good finger groove stock.  I am glad you picked up on it. |
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Posted: 2/3/2023 7:21:37 PM EDT
[#24]
 Sergeant York "Over the Top" Battle Scene |
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Posted: 2/4/2023 10:01:34 AM EDT
[#25]
I bought that RIA from an auction house back east. The first thing I noticed was the heavy peen mark next to the SN. I ran the SN in SRS and it came up with this:
337167 032831USMC 337206 073023165TH INF NYNG TO RARITAN ARS 337211 082630USMC - NICARAGUA No hits but mighty close to a USMC gun. It was worth a gamble if it went cheap. Which I was hoping it would due to the ugly stock. I was pleasantly surprised to see the barrel marks and electro-penciled sn on the bolt which further confirmed it was a USMC gun. |
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Posted: 2/4/2023 10:44:08 AM EDT
[#26]
Cool
I want a RI USMC 03 now. I went to highschool/enlisted into the Marines from Rock Island. I lived within walking distance to the armory. |
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Posted: 2/4/2023 11:36:30 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted: There's also the philosophy that any gun that hadn't been properly heat treated has been shot enough to have broken it by now. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: IMHO, hold out for something other than a 1903A3. There's nothing wrong with a 1903A3, but if you're only going to get one, get the original. I'll probably get eviserated for this, but I've happily shot low number 1903s with light cast loads. The marines, being both cheap and not overly concerned never did pull the low number ones from service. There's also the philosophy that any gun that hadn't been properly heat treated has been shot enough to have broken it by now. I once read that the Ordnance Department of the US Army authorized lower quality brass to be used to manufacture .30 cal M1 ball during WWI due to a shortage of ammunition on hand as the U.S. was preparing to enter the conflict. The brass cases were subsequently brittle causing them to sometimes split when fired, and combined with marginal heat treating of some M1903 receivers, resulted in catastrophic receiver failures when the rifles were fired with obstructions in the bore. Defective manufacturing of both the rifle and ammunition left no margin for safety. The Marines never did withdraw low number M1903s from service, and continued to use them without incident as far as I know. Friend of mine here in Boise (retired SgtMaj from 2/2, 2nd MarDiv) has one with a USMC marked Sedgley barrel. It hasn’t come unglued yet. On the other hand, there was an article years ago (1960s?) in the American Rifleman where the author used (I believe) a brass or metal hammer of some type to literally shatter intact but low number (stripped) M1903 receivers into big chunks like they were made of glass. No thank you! |
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Posted: 2/4/2023 12:28:06 PM EDT
[#28]
I'm gone shooting a CMP match so I'll try and get some better pictures later today.
One of my favorite 1903s that I own. Springfield Armory USMC NM team rifle.  
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Posted: 2/4/2023 12:35:54 PM EDT
[#29]
I was only planning to reactivate one 03A3, then I saw this one on the racks at the North Store.
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Posted: 2/4/2023 12:44:55 PM EDT
[#30]
You guys are killing me. I have Springfield fever worse than ever
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Posted: 2/4/2023 1:14:10 PM EDT
[#31]
Not sure if this counts. My father had this converted to .257 Roberts. I guess he wanted a better Texas brush gun. It's in amazing condition and I still hunt with it at least once a year. After he passed away I found the paperwork for it somewhere in his boxes.
 Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 2/4/2023 2:36:03 PM EDT
[#32]
Remington 1903. I purchased it during freedom week in CA and had it shipped to me back in VA. It's a new 1903 stock, but all of the metal is original Remington metal.
 My grandpa's 03A3 that I received before he was moved into a memory care facility. He wanted me to have this rifle for years when he could no longer be able to keep it. I have since replaced the missing band and sling with a cotton sling.  I don't have readily available pictures for the others, but I have a few more 1903s. |
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Posted: 2/4/2023 5:23:42 PM EDT
[#33]
I have what must have been an 03A3 drill rifle made by Remington. I purchased the stripped action (with barrel) along with a Remington 03 receiver with a Remington barrel that had been removed from the rifle at some point. The barrel was torqued back on and the ‘03 is restored w/ correct Remington parts, but the stock is a Rock Island Arsenal piece of wood (the rifle it was on was rebuilt at Benicia Arsenal at some point and stamped as such) that I need to find a Rock Island 03 for. Of course, I need a proper Remington stock as well.
The A3 receiver i ended up with is pristine…sort of…The cutoff wasn’t welded which makes the receiver a more viable restoration project, but the receiver was ground away a little under where the bolt handle is when the bolt is in battery and locked (for a sporterized bent bolt, I guess?). Maybe it could be welded / built back up and machined back into spec. I don’t know. The barrel it came with was perhaps spot welded to the receiver but hard to tell. Someone tried to smooth it out on some sort of machine without chucking it a lathe, so it needs to be removed and replaced. Good project rifle for someone with the right machinery and skills. |
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Posted: 2/4/2023 5:25:15 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Remington 1903. I purchased it during freedom week in CA and had it shipped to me back in VA. It's a new 1903 stock, but all of the metal is original Remington metal. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/395225/20191109_161139-1286932-2615015.jpg My grandpa's 03A3 that I received before he was moved into a memory care facility. He wanted me to have this rifle for years when he could no longer be able to keep it. I have since replaced the missing band and sling with a cotton sling. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/395225/bcba3757-9e22-4eb3-9adb-f0b67b4c6d75-1826007.jpg I don't have readily available pictures for the others, but I have a few more 1903s. Neat! |
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Posted: 2/4/2023 5:28:05 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Not sure if this counts. My father had this converted to .257 Roberts. I guess he wanted a better Texas brush gun. It's in amazing condition and I still hunt with it at least once a year. After he passed away I found the paperwork for it somewhere in his boxes. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/56797/IMG-1447_jpg-2697719.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/56797/IMG-1448_jpg-2697723.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/56797/IMG-1449_jpg-2697724.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/56797/IMG-1450_jpg-2697726.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/56797/IMG-1451_jpg-2697729.JPG My favorite sporterized ‘03s were done by Griffen & Howe, but yours looks like someone did a pretty decent job. I like the fact that the cocking piece was left intact and the bolt has a nice shape to it. Not bad at all. |
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Posted: 2/4/2023 5:36:26 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted: My favorite sporterized ‘03s were done by Griffen & Howe, but yours looks like someone did a pretty decent job. I like the fact that the cocking piece was left intact and the bolt has a nice shape to it. Not bad at all. It's an amazing job - the pics don't do it justice. I'll see if I can locate the paperwork on it. I want to know more about it myself. |
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Posted: 2/4/2023 5:46:44 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted: It's an amazing job - the pics don't do it justice. I'll see if I can locate the paperwork on it. I want to know more about it myself. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: My favorite sporterized ‘03s were done by Griffen & Howe, but yours looks like someone did a pretty decent job. I like the fact that the cocking piece was left intact and the bolt has a nice shape to it. Not bad at all. It's an amazing job - the pics don't do it justice. I'll see if I can locate the paperwork on it. I want to know more about it myself. Looks like the trigger guard is the original stamped version, and the bolt sleeve is the type made or used by Smith Corona. Perhaps a Smith Corona 03A3? |
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Posted: 2/4/2023 6:01:30 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Looks like the trigger guard is the original stamped version, and the bolt sleeve is the type made or used by Smith Corona. Perhaps a Smith Corona 03A3? Let me take a better look at it and take some more pics. Thanks Marine! I know I put the paperwork up somewhere where it wouldn't get lost but after we moved I can't find crap. |
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Posted: 2/4/2023 6:04:54 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Let me take a better look at it and take some more pics. Thanks Marine! I know I put the paperwork up somewhere where it wouldn't get lost but after we moved I can't find crap. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Looks like the trigger guard is the original stamped version, and the bolt sleeve is the type made or used by Smith Corona. Perhaps a Smith Corona 03A3? Let me take a better look at it and take some more pics. Thanks Marine! I know I put the paperwork up somewhere where it wouldn't get lost but after we moved I can't find crap. Oh man, I know the feeling! I’ve moved three times since April of last year and I only find things by accident now lol. |
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Posted: 2/4/2023 7:16:13 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted: If I got a low numbered Springfield, I would get it properly heat treated I thought the issue was some were over heated and embrittled. Can reheatreating “uncook” it? |
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Posted: 2/4/2023 7:20:34 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Why are you so greedy? Can't you let someone else have one? Justin? Is that you? Damn socialists! [ 
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Posted: 2/4/2023 10:52:57 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Justin? Is that you? Damn socialists! [ Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Why are you so greedy? Can't you let someone else have one? Justin? Is that you? Damn socialists! [ I was told it is “democratic socialism”, so it’s ok. |
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Posted: 2/5/2023 12:23:07 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Looks like the trigger guard is the original stamped version, and the bolt sleeve is the type made or used by Smith Corona. Perhaps a Smith Corona 03A3? I took a few more pics but you can't really tell much more on who performed the conversion. I'll have to go through my fathers BOXES of paperwork I kept and see if if I can find the info on it. It has me curious as well.  Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached FileAll in all I still like to hunt with it and it's one of my favorite.  Attached File |
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Posted: 2/5/2023 3:21:09 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I'm pretty sure it can be done. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: It isn't something that you can do after the fact for those serial numbers under the cutoffs. I'm pretty sure it can be done. I just received this from a friend of mine. Looks like the Ordnance Dept. disagres with you.  Attached File |
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Posted: 2/5/2023 3:57:33 PM EDT
[#45]
Ria in a better stock than the Bubba special.
   
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Posted: 2/5/2023 4:02:58 PM EDT
[#46]
I want a M1917 Enfield. Best bolt action rifle the US military ever had.
But seem like a bitch to find one that is in good condition or hasn't been bubba'd |
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Posted: 2/5/2023 7:15:44 PM EDT
[#47]
@FluffyTheCat ;
I know you are doing God's work by restoring & building many Garands; would you consider trying to restore a bubba'd 1903? One coming up for auction locally, made into a .220 Swift, Springfield Armory above the brittle receiver range. Old-style scope bases, the kind with dovetail blocks on the barrel & front receiver ring, so the back receiver ring is un-drilled. I understand it is possible to get the holes welded up & refinished so's you would never know Bubba had his way with her. Interdasted? Or do you only want one pristine, and ready to shoot? |
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Posted: 2/5/2023 7:42:00 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted: @FluffyTheCat ; I know you are doing God's work by restoring & building many Garands; would you consider trying to restore a bubba'd 1903? One coming up for auction locally, made into a .220 Swift, Springfield Armory above the brittle receiver range. Old-style scope bases, the kind with dovetail blocks on the barrel & front receiver ring, so the back receiver ring is un-drilled. I understand it is possible to get the holes welded up & refinished so's you would never know Bubba had his way with her. Interdasted? Or do you only want one pristine, and ready to shoot? How much you think she will cost? |
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Posted: 2/6/2023 4:44:43 AM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted: How much you think she will cost? |
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Posted: 2/6/2023 4:52:52 AM EDT
[#50]
I bought a Smith Corona I forgot about. When I found it in my safe it took me a solid 5 minutes to remember where the hell it came from.
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