1903 Springfield Action
- Thread starter reb
- Start date
samsplacci71
Regular
- Location
- Toronto area
There were some early heat treat issues on the low serial number actions, aside from that I can't see it being an issue. I don't know what PSI they were proofed at. The 30-06 is derived from the 8mm Mauser case.
theeasterner
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Treasure Island
You're not supposed to shoot 1903's if they are low Serial numbers.They are dangerous to shoot.If you have a Springfield action do not shoot below Serial# 800,000.If you have a Rock Island action do not shoot below Serial#285,507.
The bolt handle should have a dot punched underneath it where it meets the bolt body,and it should be bent very slightly back,just above the knob,to indicate properly heat treated bolts.
The bolt handle should have a dot punched underneath it where it meets the bolt body,and it should be bent very slightly back,just above the knob,to indicate properly heat treated bolts.
"...I was wandering..." Wander a bit myself, but only when awake.
A 1903 is a strong action, but like everything it depends on what you're doing. As mentioned, thousands of 'em were sporterized and re-chambered to just about everything. Buy a copy of Hatcher's Notebook. There's a whole chapter about the strength of rifle actions.
"...believe it is on par with a '98 Mauser action..." It is a Mauser action. U.S. government got sued by Mauser for patent infringements, as I recall.
"...early heat treat issues..." Had to do with the heat treat guys in the factory. The pre-war guys thought they could tell the temperature of the steel by eye. After several rifles blew up, tests showed that their 'eye' was off by several hundred degrees. Caused the steel to be brittle.
"...You're not supposed to shoot 1903's..." Very few low numbered '03's in Canada. Not many '03A1's or 3's in decent condition either. Your space bar isn't working.
A 1903 is a strong action, but like everything it depends on what you're doing. As mentioned, thousands of 'em were sporterized and re-chambered to just about everything. Buy a copy of Hatcher's Notebook. There's a whole chapter about the strength of rifle actions.
"...believe it is on par with a '98 Mauser action..." It is a Mauser action. U.S. government got sued by Mauser for patent infringements, as I recall.
"...early heat treat issues..." Had to do with the heat treat guys in the factory. The pre-war guys thought they could tell the temperature of the steel by eye. After several rifles blew up, tests showed that their 'eye' was off by several hundred degrees. Caused the steel to be brittle.
"...You're not supposed to shoot 1903's..." Very few low numbered '03's in Canada. Not many '03A1's or 3's in decent condition either. Your space bar isn't working.
