Building some 1903’s

[five.five-six]

I built a 1903 project back in 2019 very fun and one of my most accurate shooters. Mine does a slight issue with the front sight but it's a mash of pre ww1- up to WW2.

That’s a gorgeous gun, what’s going on with the front sight?

 

[Churro]

That’s a gorgeous gun, what’s going on with the front sight?

I think you might be able to see it in the first picture. But the front sight base alignment hole might be slightly off spec and drilled a bit to far left. So when you install everything completely. you can see an obvious dark ring from the front of the barrel meaning that the base it's not all the way back as it should. I also been taking a look at some eBay listings (2 piece ww1 style like the one I currently have) and the holes for the bases look to be either right in the middle and some are more left

 

[five.five-six]

I think you might be able to see it in the first picture. But the front sight base alignment hole might be slightly off spec and drilled a bit to far left. So when you install everything completely. you can see an obvious dark ring from the front of the barrel meaning that the base it's not all the way back as it should. I also been taking a look at some eBay listings (2 piece ww1 style like the one I currently have) and the holes for the bases look to be either right in the middle and some are more left

After the dove opener, I’ll pull some measurements for you.

 

[Churro]

After the dove opener, I’ll pull some measurements for you.

There are two listings on eBay for one that might work. One guy won't ship to Ca period and the other one wants 60 bucks for a 15 dollar part.

 

[five.five-six]

Northridge international will have all the parts you might want. I do have a spare font sight but it’s stuck on a cut off barrel nub and I can’t seem to get the pin driven out

 

[Churro]

Northridge international will have all the parts you might want. I do have a spare font sight but it’s stuck on a cut off barrel nub and I can’t seem to get the pin driven out

Can you post a picture of the nub

 

[five.five-six]

Can you post a picture of the nub

I haven’t soaking in an idea of kroil. I’ll get a picture of it later. I bought a specific punch for it and they recommended soaking it overnight before trying to drive the pin.

 

[five.five-six]

Can you post a picture of the nub

Well that was a lot of work, would have been a lot easier if you asked for a photo of the sight on the nub.

Per your request, here’s the nub:

 

[Churro]

Well that was a lot of work, would have been a lot easier if you asked for a photo of the sight on the nub.

Per your request, here’s the nub:


View attachment 247130

I just checked mine and there doesn't seem to be any damage. I think that the sight really depends on the armor or manufacturers. Some holes were drilled right through the middle and some more to the rear. What is terrible is that there are a few on GunBroker and eBay that would fix my rifle but of course they won't ship to Ca.

 

[five.five-six]

I just checked mine and there doesn't seem to be any damage. I think that the sight really depends on the armor or manufacturers. Some holes were drilled right through the middle and some more to the rear. What is terrible is that there are a few on GunBroker and eBay that would fix my rifle but of course they won't ship to Ca.

Holes drilled? I don’t understand

 

[Churro]

Holes drilled? I don’t understand

The pin hole for the front sight base

 

[five.five-six]

The pin hole for the front sight base

There should be 2, one to fixture the sight base and the other to fix the blade

 

[SoloDolo]

It’s counterintuitive that receivers are so hard to find. You would think that with shot out barrels and poorly sporterized stock, there would be plenty of receivers. But there are not. I had been looking for sporters without undrilled receivers and what i found was that the nicely done 1950’s sporters are becoming a niche collector item. You have to stay on the ball but I think you can find a poorly sporterized 1903 on GB for under $400 if you time it right.

The $695’s at Sarco are selling, I’ve checked inventory by filling my cart a few times over the last few months and they were down to 1 SA when I made the decision to buy. Right now they show 1 smith corona and 1 Remington.


My next build, and I think I have all the parts to finish it this weekend is on this Greek lend/lease stock and an early receiver and barrel. I’ve vastly improved the look of this stock since the photo was taken.. to the point that I really don’t want to improve it any more.

View attachment 242027

View attachment 242028

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The re-proof X took a bit of a hit from my scraper but it was somewhat unavoidable the other cartuches all survived sharp and crisp.

Whose barrel did you get. Is it a USGI or new production? Criterion Makes some very nice barrels at reasonable prices.

Since I started looking I'm noticing that as well, will definitely have to time it right but it's very much doable.

Im seeing quite a few recovered drilled rifle receivers online so far.
S as a last resort I might just pick one of those up if the condition is right.

The one I have is a new/unused USGI 1944 Remington 4 Grove barrel.
Right now the barrel is all I have so the hunt for parts is on!!

 

[five.five-six]

I think this should make sense of it. But the sight hole has to match the notch in the key

 

[five.five-six]

Well, I got them out to the range Saturday, I could only find paper with the 1903 build. I think I’ll head to an indoor range and sight them in at 35 yards and work my way out. I had limited time but they both functioned flawlessly and I had a Ross 1905 which I shot for the first time as well. Really satisfying. I just need to get alone and zero them.

Oh, had my garand out too

 

[Churro]

Well, I got them out to the range Saturday, I could only find paper with the 1903 build. I think I’ll head to an indoor range and sight them in at 35 yards and work my way out. I had limited time but they both functioned flawlessly and I had a Ross 1905 which I shot for the first time as well. Really satisfying. I just need to get alone and zero them. View attachment 255064

Oh, had my garand out too

View attachment 255065

I just drooled a bit.