What do I have?

[Deepsearn]

I just picked this up today and don't know what it is other than an '03 receiver. Serial # 925803. I can't find any '03 configuration like this. Could it be an aftermarket rebuild? Any help from the resident guru's would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[Deepsearn]

[Parashooter]

. . . Could it be an aftermarket rebuild? . . .

Yes. A nice type C stock, 03-A3 handguard, and Williams "Foolproof" receiver sight. Such assemblies were common for low-level competition a half-century ago. Equipped with Lyman or Redfield target sights, it could be a decent mid-level competitor.

[John Beard]

Seasons' Greetings!

You have a WWI service rifle overhauled and re-barreled in 1942 that a private individual has substantially customized into his personal target rifle. As can be seen from your photos, he jeweled the bolt, sanded and shellacked the stock, removed the original barrel-mounted rear sight, installed a commercial receiver sight, and replaced the original M1903 handguard with a longer M'03-A3 handguard.

Hope this helps. Happy New Year!

J.B.

[Deepsearn]

Thank you for the information. Did I overpay at $450.? Thanks again!

[Fred]

No, I like it. It was somebody's target rifle. Nice looking customized rifle!

[John Beard]

Thank you for the information. Did I overpay at $450.? Thanks again!

Seasons' Greetings!

No. But don't plan on selling it anytime soon for a large profit. If so, you will incur competition from P.T. Barnum.

Happy New Year!

J.B.

[Deepsearn]

No, I'm not planning on selling. I was looking for a nice shooter to use for period rifle competition. I would have had one in the original configuration but I'm happy with this one and the condition that it is in. I have a couple of 52's and an older 40x so I have several nice sight sets, Olympics, internationals and a 575. One of those should work nicely.

[John Beard]

No, I'm not planning on selling. I was looking for a nice shooter to use for period rifle competition. I would have had one in the original configuration but I'm happy with this one and the condition that it is in. I have a couple of 52's and an older 40x so I have several nice sight sets, Olympics, internationals and a 575. One of those should work nicely.

Seasons' Greetings!

Depending on the rules, you may have a problem using your new rifle in competition. Most service rifle competition rules do not permit significant modification of the rifle.

Good Luck! And Happy New Year!

J.B.

[Deepsearn]

Thanks, John. Looks like I'll be searching for a second one, this time in original configuration.

[Jim in Salt Lake]

CMP has an unlimited category for M1s that allows national match prepped M1s. I wish they'd do this for match prepped 1903s that were built when the 1903 was a legal service rifle. I see some really cool rifles that were match modified back in the day, would be fun to get them back on the line, again, in their own class.

[dave]

I have a similar rifle I built up from a Rem. barreled action. Used it in informal comp. years ago. Original sight, A3 pistol grip stock and 03 handgaurd.

[Kurt]

Somewhat popular at one time. I have a Rem 03 that retains the barreled rear sight but has the Lyman 48 as well. All in an A3 stock with an 03 hand gaurd.