What has to be done to fit an 03A3 barrel to an 03A1

[Johnny in Texas]

And use the 03 rear sight.

[1mark]

If you want to put an A3 barrel on an 03, you will need to turn the barrel for a rear sight base. Talk to Chuck in Denver. He has done these before.

[chuckindenver]

sorry.. i can...but wont...
no reason to..with a criterian barrel available..it doesnt make since.

[Griff Murphey]

Chuck - I thought you did not like the Criterion 03 barrels? Have you changed your mind or am I just losing mine? Seems like I remember you said they were s buggar to fit.

[Dave in NGA]

To answer your question, the A3 barrel must be turned down on a lathe to a diameter of approximately 1.460 diameter (If I remember correctly) in the chamber area. Then a 03 sight base can be mounted but it will have to be aligned correctly and drilled and pinned both laterally and longitudinaly. The front sight base of the A3 barrel can be used as is or the key of a 03 barrel must be fitted to make the 03 front sight base fit correctly. When all is said and done you will have a two groove barrel with markings identifying it as a typical A3 barrel mounted to a 03 action. It will fit the 03 stock correctly and shoot just fine. But any knowledgable Springfield collector will easily identify it as a missmatch. HTH

[chuckindenver]

criterian, fixed the issues long ago..have no issues with them...
would be like having a big block SS..and installing a 327 small block in it, cuz it was cheaper, or you had one in the shed, yea it works, and get its done..but once you open the hood, its a big let down,
anything worth doing, is worth doing right the first time...save doing it wrong twice.

[Griff Murphey]

Thanks - good info!