Author Topic: 1903 Springfeild (Read 606 times)

Wilbe Lead · « **on:** October 28, 2004, 07:06:33 AM »

Hi Everyone,
Seen a 1903 that has been rechamberd to 300 Win.
Is the 1903 strong enough to shoot this round.
Need to check it out more.This gun is in a pawnshop,they are cleaning out the shelve sitters.They want 199.00 for it.
Later
Wilbe Lead

Don Buckbee · « **Reply #1 on:** October 28, 2004, 10:23:57 AM »

Good question..
There were a large number of Springfield 03's made and not all were created equal. If you can get the serial number of the rifle, and what arsenal it was fabricated in, you can determine whether it is one of the stronger actions. P.O.Ackley, in one of his books, identifies which are good and those that are not so good. I don't remember what the serial number range and what arsenal made the best ones. Maybe someone will come along and provide that info. But, it's good that you are asking as the 300 Win is a bit more powerful than the 30-06.
Don
P.S. Edit: If the action is drilled and tapped for a scope, and the bolt is lowered for scope clearance, and a new safety added, the rifle might be worth buying just for the action at that price.

dukkillr · « **Reply #2 on:** October 28, 2004, 10:39:40 AM »

what needs to be done to make an 03 suitable for a modern scope? i've got one now that can only accept a older, 4x scope because of clearance

MGMorden · « **Reply #3 on:** October 28, 2004, 12:35:54 PM »

Quote from: dukkillr

what needs to be done to make an 03 suitable for a modern scope? i've got one now that can only accept a older, 4x scope because of clearance

Besides drilling and tapping, it just needs a forged bolt handle and a new safety. I used to have one, but I (very, very regretably) sold it for $150 because the barrel was shot out. It not only was drilled, tapped, bolt forged, and had a new safety, but it had a VERY nice Bishop walnut stock on it. Oh well. I wasn't that familiar with building customs at the time so I figured it was pretty much useless.

As to the work, I didn't install the stuff onto mine, but I have installed a low swing safety on a Swede Mauser. If it's anyting like that, it's not a problem, and you can do it yourself rather than paying a smith. I did mine with just a Dremel and a cutting wheel.

Wilbe Lead · « **Reply #4 on:** October 28, 2004, 01:52:25 PM »

Ok
You all got me thinking,project gun cheap.
I am going to drop this down to the wildcat page.
Have though about for sometime of a 35 cal bolt gun.
Later
Wilbe Lead

MGMorden · « **Reply #5 on:** October 28, 2004, 02:20:21 PM »

Quote from: Wilbe Lead

Have though about for sometime of a 35 cal bolt gun.
Later
Wilbe Lead

The 03 action is perfect for the 35 Whelen. Same basic case and similar pressures to .30-06, just bigger bullet.

EDIT: Just thought though. If chambered for .300 Win Mag the bolt has likely been modified for magnum cartridges. You could get a new bolt for it (I think Gun Parts corp has the low forged ones for $30 or so) though.