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low number Springfield 1903 project

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    low number Springfield 1903 project

    A few years ago, the CMP was selling some low number Model 1903 barreled actions, the barrels were burned-out and the actions did not have much finish. I had one
    of these barreled actions, a SA in the high 500,000 range with a burned out SA 1921 dated barrel. As I wanted to salvage this receiver in some way, I found a part-time
    gunsmith in NC who installs quality 22 rim fire liners in these 1903 barrels. The barrel liner will need an extension to mate with the M2 bolt. I had the barrel done with
    a liner and extension for $85 and bought a M2 bolt that had the adjustment for headspace. Just had to install the barrel and headspace the bolt. You can use either the
    Numrich trigger guard or an original M2 trigger guard for a magazine. I had an old Lyman 438 scope which I mounted and fired a test target when the rifle was assembled.
    The low number 1903 action with the rim fire liner is very accurate and is neat looking too. There are a few gunsmiths around that do perform this work, most use the 03A3
    drill rifles and build-up look alike M1903A4 sniper rifles only in 22 rim rifle caliber

    #2
    Now that's outstanding!!
    I have a low-number 1903 that I'm afraid to shoot. Maybe this would be an option for me.
    May I ask what the distance was that the rounds were fired at?
    Welcome to the Addiction!

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      #3
      You can not use a target too close with the 4x scope that is on this rifle, I think the distance was around 20 to 25 feet. One thing that helps is to remove a coil from the sear spring, it will
      improve the trigger pull. Numrich had sold (years ago) a 22 rim fire conversion kit for the M1903 rifles, a liner that require their tool and a M2 bolt and Numrick magazine, somewhat of a
      collector item now but never very accurate (they also made one for the Lee Enfield MK 3).

      I have some nice very low (four digit) Model 1903 rifles and use a 32 S&W/32 ACP chamber adopter and just got another in 32 S&W Long. You can shop around and find adopters in 30M1 carbine
      and 7,63x25mm Russian calibers. I also use an adopter in 303 caliber. If you have a nice low number 1903 with a very poor or burned-out bore, then you might consider a 22 rim fire liner,
      other wise I would not ruin a nice low number rifle that may be of interest to a collector

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        #4
        That's a great option. I bet many of those era rifles are laying around because the owner is concerned about firing it.
        m14brian

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