Question about the front band on an '03 I recently acquired

[Fred Ryan]

I recently bought my first '03 Springfield. The receiver is in the 1,37000 range and the barrel is dated 2-44. I know it is a rebuild but is in good condition and should be a good shooter. I have noticed that barrel makes loose contact to the front band. I don't know if the normal. Is the barrel supposed to float or be tight to the front band? Thanks Fred

[Rick the Librarian]

Welcome to the forum, Fred!

[Fred Ryan]

Thanks Rick

[Fred]

Fred, the barrel shouldn't be bound tight within the front band. While the bullet is squeezing down the bore at 2,700 fps upon firing, the barrel and muzzle is ever so minutely and rapidly vibrating and whipping around. Without the relative freedom to vibrate or move, the accuracy of the rifle is compromised.
thats why a fixed bayonet on the end of an 03 or a barrel not alowed some movement within a band will affect how the rifle groups it's rounds. Ever notice that a mounted 98 Mauser bayonet doesn't come in contact with the barrel? Same with a No1 Mark III Enfield. Their muzzles are allowed to vibrate somewhat freely, even when mounting a bayonet.

[Fred Ryan]

Thanks Fred, I appreciate the info. Makes perfect sense. never thought of it like that.

[Fred]

Welcome to the 03 Forum!

[Fred]

I suppose that it was correctly figured that when it was time to fix bayonets on their 03's, nobody would be needing to get the most accuracy out of their rifle for long distance shooting.

[Fred Ryan]

I bought this rifle about 2 weeks ago, but just got the chance to go shoot it today, weather has been bad. It appears the rifle was rebuilt during WW2, but who knows where all it been in 84 years.

[Rick the Librarian]

Does the barrel have an RA above the date? If so, a former owner used a M1903A3 barrel.

Was your serial number in the 1,370,000 range or 137,000 range. Wasn't quite sure from your original post.

[Fred Ryan]

The barrel is HS, which I have read , was made by High Standard. The date is 2-44. The serial number of the rifle is 1378079, made in 1931.

[Rick the Librarian]

Take a closer look - there should be a faint "1" to the left of the "2" - a 12-44 High Stanard barrel.

[Fred Ryan]

30196 Hey Rick, don't see any indication of a "1" to the left of the "2" . Fred