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You have a M1903, not an 03A3, so a restoration project would mean that an 03A3 or 03A4 isn't possible. It would need to be restored as a M1903. The M1903A4 is a variation of the 03A3 with the addition of scope mounts and the appropriate scope.

Sights, the trigger guard/ magazine and upper and lower bands are different between the 2 models. The barrel has also been sporterized by the replacement of the front sight.

The toughest thing with an M1903 restoration is locating an original military barrel in sound condition.
 
If the barrel is 24 inches it can be used for a restoration, hopefully by replacing the front sight.
The action itself looks nice and is a high number Remington.
If you put it up for adoption, it won't last long.
 
You will have a very difficult time finding a replacement M1903 barrel with a sound bore.

The rearmost hole will have to be filled. The front hole will be covered by the front sight band. Here's a method used by myself and another CGN member.
- the d&t hole may be for a 6-48 screw. If it is, they are a common size for mounting a scope base.
- turn the screw tightly into the hole then cut it off slightly above flush with the barrel surface (Dremel cut-off wheel works well)
- support the barrel on a piece of hardwood, then peen the screw with a hammer to set it into the screw hole
- dress the screw down flush with the barrel surface with a small file
- cover the head of the screw with a piece of coarse emery cloth, then tap with a flat face punch to blend the screw into the surrounding metal
- blue the screw with oxpho blue
- find a replacement M1903 (not 03A3) front sight band and install the front sight in it. Make sure the small set screw at the front fits the hole.
- the band will be kind of a friction fit on the barrel
- before driving it on coat the inside of the band incl the area where the spline fits with JB weld
- install a rear sight unit on the barrel so the the front sight band can be indexed to a vertical position when installed (vertical can be established by eye with the rear sight leaf raised)
- you need to find a cross pin for the hole in the front sight band. Cut the pin to length and drill out the hole to make sure its an easy fit. The pin will fill the hole while the front sight pin can be retained by the JB Weld. Test fit the band to make sure that the pin won't interfere with the top of the barrel. If so, you can install the band and run a drill thru the hole to clear a way for the pin
- when trial fitting the front sight band(before applying the KB weld) you can mark its location for final installation by putting masking tape around the barrel
- make sure to apply JB weld inside the front sight band only to minimize smearing on the barrel (altho you can fill the front sight hole on the barrel with the JB weld)
- clean up excess JB weld with lighter fluid before it hardens

In the worst case you could sell the rifle to me. I've just done an identical M1903 restoration and it worked out ticketty-boo.;)
 
purple said:
You have a M1903, not an 03A3, so a restoration project would mean that an 03A3 or 03A4 isn't possible. It would need to be restored as a M1903. The M1903A4 is a variation of the 03A3 with the addition of scope mounts and the appropriate scope.

Sights, the trigger guard/ magazine and upper and lower bands are different between the 2 models. The barrel has also been sporterized by the replacement of the front sight.

The toughest thing with an M1903 restoration is locating an original military barrel in sound condition.
Click to expand...

I am gathering parts to restore one as well. I know someone with a NOS 1903 barrel complete with the rear sight base collar installed. What would be a fair price to offer for it?
 
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