deactivated 1903a3s

MGfan · Post by **MGfan** » Fri Jan 19, 2007 12:20 pm

I was wondering if anyone has any experience w/ the Deactivated '03a3s
That I see advertised in SGN.

There's two different ads both selling these. they have a plugged Bbl. welded bolt face and, the Bbl. is tack welded to the Rec.
at around 200-300 ea. I was wondering if it'd be worth it to buy one and rebarrel it.
the bolt would need to be replaced and,the welded cut-off replaced as well

does anyone think their unsafe to rework and fire?

any input is appreciated.

Thanks,
Dan

Karbinator · Post by **Karbinator** » Fri Jan 19, 2007 12:37 pm

Most active o3a3's around my area are 450 +, so I'm not
sure I would go through the mess of trying that. If you were
hunting for particular stocks, or small marked parts, and the $
was right, then yea. It would be idea, but can they promise that
you will get certain parts ?

MGfan · Post by **MGfan** » Fri Jan 19, 2007 12:42 pm

Hello Karbinator

not really lookin' for parts ,just a cheap '03a3 to shoot.
I have the time to piddle w/ something like this so it's more or less just a winter project.
My biggest concern is that it'd be safe to fire.

Dan

Kleist · Post by **Kleist** » Fri Jan 19, 2007 3:29 pm

Are these the same ones listed on the CMP site??

MGfan · Post by **MGfan** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 6:36 pm

kleist,
No, these are in Shotgun News.. Diluth Trading and Hunter's lodge is selling them.
But, I know which ones you're talking about though

Post by **wildweasel** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 10:30 am

I wouldn't, some of the early guns had some issues with the reciver as it was. (if the a3 was rebuilt on an older reciever) now if you could get them 3 for 300 then it may be worth a gamble...

Post by **Roscoeturner** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 10:46 am

1903A3's were built new by Remington and Smith Corona and do not have the issues associated with early production 1903's.

The Army went through lenghty tests on these receivers and it was decided the risk did not warrant removing them from service. Between 1917 and 1929 there were 68 burst receivers. The story of these early receivers is often repeated without the individual repeating the story doing the research into the official investigation of this problem. Most often they quote Campbell's book on 1903's.

As an example one of the reasons given in the official report for the receiver failures had to do with WWI GI's cramming 8mm Mauser ammunition into an 03 and firing it. Needless to say firing a bullet much larger than the rifle was designed for increased chamber pressures just a bit above norm.

This article goes into great detail regarding the receiver problem - http://m1903.com/03rcvrfail/

As stated earlier don't waste your money trying to resurrect one of these welded up pieces of junk. Spend a little more and buy one that hasn't been screwed with.

smoggle · Post by **smoggle** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 10:40 pm

You can buy one that has been sporterized. They can go cheap. If you want to put a new barrel on and stock it isn't that hard to make it look military again.

KMURPHY · Post by **KMURPHY** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 10:29 pm

i have 2 1903A1's, one of em is #ed 270,4XX. I like em. both rebuilds and one of em (#270,4XX) is marked
U.S.M.C
7-41
S (Inside Circle)

Post by **glassmountains** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 10:53 pm

I've rebuilt several of the "Drill Rifles". No problems with any of them. Of course I paid 75-100 per gun and have a case of 03A3 barrels that I bought 30 years ago for 5.00 each and have bolts purchased through the old DCM Program that cost about 1.75 each and other parts accumulated over the years. I can build em cheap, and have quite an accumulation of the rifles. My IRA!

ak47dennis · Post by **ak47dennis** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 11:35 pm

MGfan wrote:kleist,
No, these are in Shotgun News.. Diluth Trading and Hunter's lodge is selling them.
But, I know which ones you're talking about though

ACHTUNG !! Hunters lodge is baaaad news.

KMURPHY · Post by **KMURPHY** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 9:26 am

i really like m1903's, real smooth action, moreso than my k98.

MGfan · Post by **MGfan** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 9:07 am

Guys,
Thanks for the input-I been holdin' off ordering the parts (Bbl. bolt,cutoff) till I herd something.
It's a nice Rem. (7-41)
I'll let you know what happens W/ it after I've saaved a few$ to finish her up.

Thanks again,
Dan