Seeking advice on building a Springfield 1903

P

pierre427

Regular
Rating - 100%
7   0   0
Location
Ottawa, ON
Last year I built a Garand from one of the SFRC receivers and had a good time doing it. I also got in before everyone else ordered from Cyprus/Italy/Greece and didn't get my orders flagged by CBSA.

What's parts availability like for this rifle, both from eBay orders overseas and within Canada?
In terms of difficulty, I assume it's not any harder than a Garand build?
Any other advice?

Cheers,

Pierre
 
I've built a number of them, incl 4 within the past couple of yrs. The biggest challenge is always in locating a sound receiver to build on followed by a good GI barrel. Most often you will need to re-parkerize the receiver for appearance's sake. Other than these 2 key components, parts are pretty much available from places like Numrich or Sarco as well as various ebay vendors in Greece where M1903s were in used for some period after WW2.

The rifle is quite straightforward to assemble. As a minimum you will need a proper action wrench, barrel vise, a set of headspace gauges and a .30-06 pull thru finishing reamer if using a NOS barrel. You can find NOS semi-pistol grip GI stocks and handgds or buy a repro from Boyds. Fitting a stock for good accuracy takes some knowledge and time.

It's a fun project and I'm always on the hunt for sound M1903 and 03-A3 receivers to build a few more.
 
Your biggest problem with building a 1903 will be finding a nice barrel. Receivers and bolts are also hard to come by on their own (I think). If you manage to find a 1903A3 receiver/bolt you can get a new old stock barrel a lot easier than you can get a 1903 barrel. Criterion makes new production 1903 and A3 barrel. Stocks can be found, Marstar has NOS stocks.
 
The Criterion barrels are well reported on. The only problem with their M1903 barrel is that you need to locate and install a fixed rear sight base/sleeve. I've done this a couple of times to replace a boogered one and it can be a bit of a PITA. You need to be veeeewy careful when driving one off/on so that it isn't deformed in the process. Best to install a movable sight base in the fixed base to minimize the possibility of deformation. To remove one, find and drive out the crosspin at the bottom of the base, then use a brass drift on the raised stud just in front of the receiver. When driving them on I've used a thick hardwood plate against the front of the base and then slid a length of steel pipe as a sleeve over the barrel and whacked the end of it.
 
You buy anything through E-Bay and you're giving money to the people who want to take your firearms away from you.
You thinking 1903 or 1903A3? Only slight differences(sights mostly), but as mentioned, major parts are few and far between in Canada.
Mind you, Marstar is listing some of the small parts. Stocks are running $300ish for what they claim as original walnut. No barrels and barrels are restricted for export by the U.S. government.
You might find a junker at a gun show, but it'll very likely be excessively priced.
 
What is the typical ball park price for just the reparkerizing of a 1903. Might purchase one that needs it, getting hard to find one id buy without having to do something to it.

Thx

Edit: asked a friend and 300ish seems about the price.
 
Last edited:
I just built a 1903a3 (Very easy being in the U.S.) I can atest to the Criterion barrels. There is a reproduction stock made by Minelli in Italy that literally is a drop in and well worth the price. A 1903a3 is easier to build that a 1903 particullarly when fitting the rear sight. Speaking of sights the 1903 and the1903a3 front sight blades are almost but not quite interchangable. The 1903 will wobble front to back in a 1903a3 front sight base and the 1903a3 will have to be filled to fit a 1903 slot. The do come in different heights (Something that few gun parts dealers are aware of) for zeroing. A fellow name Bill Bentz is making reproduction "Marine style" wide ones that are sold by height. There are some receivers that have recently become availible that were salvaged from drill rifles. Before everyone panics the demilling was done to the barrel (filled with lead) on this lot: the action was not messed with.

image hosting over 10mb

pc screenshot
 
I assembled a 03A4 clone using a barrelled action from a badly bubba'd rifle. Receiver had various crooked holes drilled; these are hidden by the scope base. Mounted a Weaver 330. Shoots very well.
Given that there were hundreds of M-1 receivers sold for $50 each, the demand for Garand parts soared in Canada. Cheaper and easier to find Springfield parts. Not as many parts needed, either. Still takes a bit of looking.
 
Springfields are excellent shooters provided that the barrel is sound, stock bedding proper and sights are tight. I've never been disappointed with them. Even the wartime barrels are good shooters, as long as you find a one which isn't excessively worn or pitted. The barrel is quite heavy and the stock bedding is simple to set up and adjust. For best accuracy in an M1903 use the iddy-biddy peep sight in the rear sight slide and smoke the aperture and the front sight blade.
 
You looking at an '03 or an '03A3? Either one, in decent condition, will be decidedly uncommon in Canada. Haven't seen many in any condition even at gun shows for eons.
How much Parkerizing costs depends on how much of the work you do yourself. Not much is needed with a bolt action. Just take the thing completely apart, bolt and sights included, and send just the parts you want Parkerized. Don't forget the screws.
It's also something you can do yourself with a minimum of equipment. There are kits available for the chemicals, then you need a heat source(Propane burner will do) a big metal tray and a thermometer.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom