My Dad's 1903 Springfield

[AndyLate]

My Dad bought a sporterized (barrel bands removed and stock cut down) 1903 over 50 years ago and then someone removed the rear sight and collar to install a "no drill" scope mount. They also ground on the bolt handle and safety for scope clearance. It was not well done.

My Dad wanted it returned to a military configuration, so I volunteered. I found a used GI stock and hunted down the missing pieces. Its not correct, for sure, but it looks like a military rifle again if you squint really hard.

It was made at Springfield Armory in 1921, rebuilt, then surplused and sporterized.

I will knock down some of the shine on the stock before I give it to him.

Andy

Ir4rFIc.jpg

[gaijin]

Nice job.
A bud has one he shoots in some type of Military Rifles match.
His has a “two groove” barrel that actually shoots pretty well. I believe that was a wartime expedient.

[T2C]

I like the way it looks. Nice job.

I own a few Springfield's and shoot old rifles in a vintage rifle match once a month. Send me a PM if you want a recipe for a light load that doesn't kick like a mule.

[AndyLate]

I took it to the range this morning. It does thump a little.

Andy

[T2C]

Felt recoil is a bit stout with a straight stock.

[m1a_scoutguy]

I took it to the range this morning. It does thump a little.

Andy

Felt recoil is a bit stout with a straight stock.

Outstanding, I have a 1903A3 and their great rifles. I have been looking for a 1903 but haven't really found one yet. Yea they have some push for sure. I had one of those slip-on recoil pads on mine when I 1st got it & made the mistake of posting a picture with that on it,, I was shamed off the internet by the traditionalists, LOL Not really but it came off immediately after that post, LOL! Congrats on bringing back a beautiful old rifle!

[kerplode]

That's cool, man...Nice work! It always makes me smile to see a sporterized rifle returned to mil condition.

And besides, 03's are just awesome. Your dad's gonna love it!

[Esq.]

Outstanding, I have a 1903A3 and their great rifles. I have been looking for a 1903 but haven't really found one yet. Yea they have some push for sure. I had one of those slip-on recoil pads on mine when I 1st got it & made the mistake of posting a picture with that on it,, I was shamed off the internet by the traditionalists, LOL Not really but it came off immediately after that post, LOL! Congrats on bringing back a beautiful old rifle!

Reduced velocity cast bullet loads are an excellent practice alternative in the older military surplus rifles. Cheap, low recoil and quiet, shoot to the sights, more forgiving of wear etc...on 100 year old barrels.

[T2C]

For anyone who owns old bolt action military rifles, the article written by C.E. Harris has good information on cast bullet loads for Mausers, Springfields, etc. An internet search will easily find a link to the article.

There is good information on low velocity loads on this site as well. http://www.gmdr.com/lever/lowveldata.htm I've chronographed loads for 30-06, 45-70 and others and found the data for each powder was accurate in my rifles.

[HKGuns]

Looks good.

I did the same with my great uncles 1917 that was in about the same condition except luckily the rear sight was in tact and there were no permanent mods to anything except the cut down stock.