Any 1903 Springfield Experts? Project Rifle Questions

[HMMurdock]

I recently acquired a Springfield 1903 that is probably a parts rifle but I’d like to try to do give her a little attention to make her a “truck rifle” if I can do it affordably.

Condition is rough but I can get it refinished easily. I’m hoping to make sure it even fires this coming weekend. It’s been sporterized all to ****and the safety won’t engage unless the cocking pin (I don’t know what it’s really called) is pulled back slightly to engage the notch. I have a rotary dovetail base that came with it that could be installed?

Anyone know if any 1903 aficionados that could help me get this baby back in the game? Thanks for your time.

 

[johny5]

Surely, someone will be along shortly to point you in the right direction. Till then, you may find some inspiration in the following thread:

https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/long-guns/477547-lee-enfield-no-4-mk1-scout-rifle.html

 

[maxipum]

Pictures?

 

[mcapo]

Not in your area but Phil at Precision Arms in Columbia City literally wrote the book on that era of firearms. He can likely address it or point you in the right direction.

 

[BGDave]

I recently acquired a Springfield 1903 that is probably a parts rifle but I’d like to try to do give her a little attention to make her a “truck rifle” if I can do it affordably.

Condition is rough but I can get it refinished easily. I’m hoping to make sure it even fires this coming weekend. It’s been sporterized all to ****and the safety won’t engage unless the cocking pin (I don’t know what it’s really called) is pulled back slightly to engage the notch. I have a rotary dovetail base that came with it that could be installed?

Anyone know if any 1903 aficionados that could help me get this baby back in the game? Thanks for your time.

Without seeing it my best guess is that due to being "sporterized" they also did a trigger "job". This results in a shorter sear engagement which moves the cocking piece toward the muzzle. If possible replace the firing pin rod and the sear and see if that cures it.

This may be helpful. https://www.gunpartscorp.com/gun-manufacturer/us-military/springfield-1903-3/parts-list-03

 

[indyjohn]

Jeff at JM Gunsmithing did some work on my 1903. Good guy, has done other work for me as well.

https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/members/jmgunsmithing.html

 

[HMMurdock]

You guys are all fantastic; thank you. I’ll try to get some photos later today. As far as the sear goes, how do I know if mine is the mark I variant for use with Pedersen device?

 

[indyjohn]

You guys are all fantastic; thank you. I’ll try to get some photos later today. As far as the sear goes, how do I know if mine is the mark I variant for use with Pedersen device?

I'm not a Grand Master expert on the 1903, but I'm going to say you can safely bet yours is not. I have the Brophy book, I'll go see if I can find a reference to it.

Edit:

 

[HMMurdock]

There are no legible markings other than the serial number (339014). Someone did a number on this baby.

 

[traderdan]

Not that it means a lot..but your rifle may from the era in which some say they are not safe to shoot.

 

[Wolfhound]

Not that it means a lot..but your rifle may from the era in which some say they are not safe to shoot.

Yeah if it's Springfield Armory it falls within the questionable serial numbers. If it's Rock Island Arsenal it's fine.

Do some internet research on the "brittle receiver" discussion and decide for yourself. The lower serial number rifles have still had the stuffing shot out of them during two wars and possibly the barrel replaced once or twice. Make your own decision but, to ME the lower serial number means don't shoot full bore 30-06 out of that rifle. Lighter reloads only. YMMV

 

[Expat]

Not that it means a lot..but your rifle may from the era in which some say they are not safe to shoot.

Good catch Dan.
Here is an article that also kind of puts that into perspective. Something to be aware of though.

Information On M1903 Receiver Failures

 

[HMMurdock]

Could a gunsmith verify if it is and, if so, anyone know a good one near Indy’s Southside?

 

[traderdan]

I am not an expert, although I own and love the 1903s. I hesitated to mention the serial # on the thread because in my opinion, (only mine) there is very little risk. If I were you..I would inspect it with a good light...then use it if no irregularities are evident. You are in more danger, when you are driving to a gunsmith, probably!

 

[HMMurdock]

I am not an expert, although I own and love the 1903s. I hesitated to mention the serial # on the thread because in my opinion, (only mine) there is very little risk. If I were you..I would inspect it with a good light...then use it if no irregularities are evident. You are in more danger, when you are driving to a gunsmith, probably!

Thanks and I agree. It’s not registered as stolen, I didn’t steal it and no one is gonna want this money pit. I don’t notice any irregularities but I’m not an expert. I’m an ex-cop and fireman so it’s the least danger I’ve seen. If anyone that is qualified that wants to check it out I can travel. Thank you all.

Loading photos via mobile is proving impossible. Any help is appreciated.

 

[indyjohn]

Jeff at JM Gunsmithing did some work on my 1903. Good guy, has done other work for me as well.

https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/members/jmgunsmithing.html

Could a gunsmith verify if it is and, if so, anyone know a good one near Indy’s Southside?

You can lead a horse to water..... And he's retired LE, what more do you want? Southside? Oh, he's that too.

 

[HMMurdock]

Somehow I missed your post previously; Thank you! I’ll reach out to him. Much appreciated!

Jeff at JM Gunsmithing did some work on my 1903. Good guy, has done other work for me as well.

https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/members/jmgunsmithing.html