1903 sporter, soon to be a 1903A4 clone

[Mitch Rapp]

I have an affinity for WWII era guns. I found this one at a pawn shop and saw some potential. Always wanted a 1903, and what's better than a 1903A4 sniper rifle? Found this sporter and immedietly saw an oppurtunity to make a really nice hunting rifle, that just so happens to resemble a 1903A4 sniper rifle. It bothers me to see old rifles sporterized, but years ago they saw things differently. I mean, we used to use B-17s and B-29s to test air to air missiles, now what would some people give to have some of those back? So I figured I would "restore" this rifle back to what it was, as best I could. In 8 years this rifle will be 100 years old, so it will be a great family hierloom as well.

I got the stock in on Tuesday

It needs a little bit of attention from Donald Franson. It's stuff that I could probably do with my dremel, but really don't want to risk it, and I know what kind of work Don does and this rifle deserves that kind of attention. All of the little metal pieces are on order, and hopefuly will be here in a week or so.

Thanks for looking, I'll put more pics up as the work progresses, and after I see how it shoots. Also may have whole thing re-blued as soon as money permits.

 

[Mitch Rapp]

Got a few of the parts in the mail, enough to take a "family" picture.

Waiting on a couple more parts, and then I just need to make it over to Don's for some minor fitting work.

 

[ldp4570]

I hope she shoots as sweet as she looks!!!!

 

[honeybee]

Is that a left hand stock? for a right hand action?
Do you want your stock made right hand or your bolt and reciever made left?

or is your picture flipped?

 

[Mitch Rapp]

Is that a left hand stock? for a right hand action?
Do you want your stock made right hand or your bolt and reciever made left?

or is your picture flipped?

There is no bolt in the gun in that bottom pic. The stock has a slight indent for the bolt, however for the bolt to clear the scope the bolts had to be turned down. The stock just need to be relieved about a half an inch to allow the bolt to close all the way. The stock actualy has a deep indent on the other side for the magazine cut off switch.

 

[Raford]

Mitch, just an FYI, the SCRAP Club holds a MBAR (Military Bolt Action Rifle) match every 3rd Saturday of the month from March to Oct. Should be iron sights, AS ISSUED, is the general rule; but there are lots of guys there that would appreciate your found prize and would love to have your participation should you ever decide to take her out and stretch her legs a little. You can check out the calendar on the SCRAP web page at OKSCRAPCLUB.org.

I know its a bit of a drive, but just in case you decided you wanted to be in the area and show her off.

Looking good bye the way. :cool2:

 

[Mitch Rapp]

Thanks for the heads up!

 

[Mitch Rapp]

Got the last parts in, now all I need is the stock work, and some blueing.

 

[Mitch Rapp]

Well, money has been real tight after a sister in laws wedding and other expenses so I decided to do a few things myself. The rifle is now ready to be shot, if we ever get a non windy day. I am still going to have Donald do some parkerizing and other things to it, but here she is all done for now!