1903 Springfield - Scope issues.

Rockcore

Rockcore

New member
Rating - 100%
2   0   0
Location
Armstrong BC
I have a 1903 Springfield in 30-06, (one from the most desirable batch of production serial numbers) that I have had customized. The work was started by a gunsmith up North, but most of the work was done by Wilcox Gunsmiths in Cherryville BC. Stock carved to suit, barrel tapered and blued, bolt handle bent sculpted and knurled etc., very nice work. I've mounted a Leupold scope on it, but the problem is that the mounting configuration and mounts do not allow me to move it back enough to get the proper eye relief.
Any ideas or suggestions regards compatible mounts that will allow me to 'slide' the scope back closer to my eye?
 
Last edited:
"...most desirable batch..." Desired by who? 1903's have no collector value unless they're still in full military configuration. A bubba'd '03 is just a bolt action rifle. Your question might be better in the hunting/sporting rifle or gunsmith forum.
"...mounted a Leupold scope..." How big is the front lens? What bases did you put on? There are rings made for large optics, but they do tend to put the scope very high.
 
Well way back in the day when folks were doing this sort of thing, there were a few serial number batches that were considered the best for customizing. This was one of them. I believe it is a Redfield base. My issue is not the height it is the eye relief. The front swell of the scope limits the rearward adjust ability. I will take it back to the gun smith I suppose, just thought with all the brain power on the site here, someone may have a solution. I suspect though that I am like Rip Van Winkle coming out of the cave - things have changed... Thanks for your time.
 
"...My issue is not the height it is the eye relief..." You need higher rings so the front lens clears the receiver or the extending rings mentioned. Those move the ring part away from the receiver. A scope with a 32mm lens will fix the whole thing though.
"...few serial number batches that..." Not that it matters but it's about the safety of the receivers. Low S/N's vs High. Has nothing to do with customizing.
 
sunray said:
"...My issue is not the height it is the eye relief..." You need higher rings so the front lens clears the receiver or the extending rings mentioned. Those move the ring part away from the receiver. A scope with a 32mm lens will fix the whole thing though.
"...few serial number batches that..." Not that it matters but it's about the safety of the receivers. Low S/N's vs High. Has nothing to do with customizing.
Click to expand...

To add to the above, there's a 1903 on EE with low SN# ( below 285,000) but ok for safety since it is above the cut off SN# for RIA produced rifles.

Would be considered unsafe if SA produced ( below 800,000) according to collectors and experts.

BB
 
I've had this rifle for around 42 years, since I used to devour articles by the likes of Elmer Keith and Jack O'Conner. At that time certain editions of both the 1903 Springfield (as opposed to the '03A3) and the Mauser were used as a basis for building a custom rifle around. (Assuming one either couldn't afford or didn't want an early model 70). I always thought I would like to re-barrel it in .35 Whelen, maybe I still will. Would I do it over again? Hell no! But I have shot a lot of game with it, some of which needed killing. It fits me so well, now I just need to solve the relief issue and I will have a firearm I can shoulder and shoot instinctively.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom