Accuracy Help Needed for 1903 NM Rifle

[Bob S]

How long ago was the 1903 dropped from the service rifle rules? Were you shooting in different class?

I think the last published rule book to carry the '03 as a Service Rifle was 1940. I don't think the NRA published a rule book again until 1953 or 54, and it was just the M1. I have the 1935 rule book and two 1954 books ... big gap in there. For the Board matches, I don't know.

In my lifetime, I had to shoot the '03 or 03A3 in the Match Rifle category, and still do when my doctors will let me shoot. My first match was 1965 with an unmodified 03A3 and cast bullets, all at 200 yards on the Able target. Even then I was frustrated because the groups were like half the V ring, but because of the crude "adjustments" I couldn't get the groups centered. That convinced me that I needed a Lyman 48 and a C stock. I later made Master with that rifle on the "new" (decimal) targets. I still have that rifle, although it has been much-modified again.

I checked the books on the '03 that I mentioned; the last time I fired it at 600 yards was at Reading Mass in 1984, and the score was 180-5X; not a good day. I still have that one, too, but it's not CMP-compliant because it is bedded ... there were no "vintage" rules in those days.

All other things being equal, an aperture close to the eye is preferable to an aperture in front of the receiver. But the '03 "wins" in the ability to center groups easily.


I have an 03A3 with a rear sight modified for continuous elevation adjustments and 1/2 minute windage. I designed a little gizmo that clips onto the back that gives the ability to make precise and repeatable elevation adjustments. It requires the shooter to loosen and then tighten a set screw, so it's not really "convenient", but it works. None of this is CMP-compliant; it's just fun to go to the 600 yard line with an apparently as-issued 03A3 and shoot a decent score

As always .... YMMV.

Respectfully,
Bob S.

[Jim in Salt Lake]

Good question, Darreld! Made me go out to the garage and scrounge up a 2012 CMP rule book. Page 31, 6.3.3, has the same rule, same wording. I also saw under 6.3.1 As Issued Military Rifle Requirements, "Rifles may be accurized only by the careful assembly of standard parts." I bet there were some arguments by those gunsmiths that their metal mods were "careful assembly." That one is in the current rules, as well. On the removing wood to adjust fit, I agree. I have a Boyds stock on one of my rifles and I had to remove a lot of wood, mostly to match the outside contour. The bedding was too tight at the lug, so that got modified to my benefit. I looked at some used stocks but they had the OP's issue. I had the Boyds in a corner and some sharp chisels and stopped looking. I get new books every year and my biggest fear is that a rule will change and one of my rifles won't be legal. That happened early on in Vintage Sniper. I just want to shoot and not worry that I could fail an inspection.

[1903nm]

I have an update and another question for you guys. I printed off what Darreld suggested and carried this rifle to my gunsmith and asked him to trim the top of the magazine box a little to prevent rubbing the bottom of the action. This was phase one and was tested Saturday from 100 yards prone. After one cold barrel shot the next four could be covered by a quarter, just barely. My gunsmith suggested a second step of working on or replacing the top wood hand-guard as it is loose fitting. Does anyone know or have experience that this little piece of wood has an effect on accuracy? Again ,any ideas or suggestions are welcome and appreciated!

[Merc]

I shimmed my hand guards with a layer or two of file folder paper to keep them from moving which you could try if you find the looseness is annoying. It sounds like that is one sweet shooter.