1903 springfield

[Ontario Hunter]

I paid $400 for custom Mauser bottom metal from Swift-Blackburn but I think a new magazine box could be fabricated for the existing bottom metal a lot cheaper. Barrel cost just over $400 from Lija. Another $600 to have it threaded, reamed, cut, crowned, and mounted on the action. I think that could maybe be done cheaper. I paid a local machinist $100 ($75 US) to open up the bolt face. Magnum length follower was under a hundred bucks. I bought an unfinished stock from online auction for $150 ($120 US).

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Excellent information. I think there are simpler conversions and better actions for a 375H&H. I love the 1903 action and have two. A 6.5x55 and a 257 roberts.i had one in 30-338wm and many in 30-06. I just wish I could get synthetic stocks for them.

The only possible "simpler conversions and better actions for 375" would be magnum length. Then you're talking some serious bucks for just the action ... if you can find one. And I question whether a magnum length action is even "better for this conversion." Magnum Mauser action is just longer, not stronger. A longer bolt throw can actually be an impediment during the frenzy of a buffalo charge. It's easier to short stroke and jam the rifle with two cartridges trying to feed at the same time. Some magnum actions carry one more cartridge in the magazine but it's certainly possible to order extended bottom metal for standard action that accommodates 4+1. A longer action also can limit the scopes it will accept or how they can be mounted. If the scope tube is too short between the bells, it may require extended ring or a rail over the loading port.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

If you do decide to go ahead with this project, and I hope you do, consider changing the safety even if you intend to stick with iron sights. Military flag safety is not what I would want if following up on a wounded buffalo. Too fiddly to disengage. For iron sights you have two choices. 1) Order a 3-position Model 70 style safety from Myers. This is the best choice in my opinion, scope or irons. But also the most expensive ($300). The other option is leave the military flag safety on the rifle and add a Timney "deluxe" trigger with trigger block safety which will be located on the side of the receiver and easily accessed with thumb. The military safety will be left disengaged (essentially filling the hole in bolt shroud) and side safety will be the go to. You would probably be replacing the Springfield's crappy two stage military trigger anyway. Another option if scope is affixed permanently is a Buhler style 2-position "wing" safety that replaces the military flag safety on the bolt shroud. These are well protected if scope is attached but not a good idea if scope is quick detached. The wing sticks up unprotected and too easily disengaged accidentally.

 

[coreydb]

Google master gunsmiths in your area and go from there. Your platform can handle your upgrade.

 

[Jared640]

If you do decide to go ahead with this project, and I hope you do, consider changing the safety even if you intend to stick with iron sights. Military flag safety is not what I would want if following up on a wounded buffalo. Too fiddly to disengage. For iron sights you have two choices. 1) Order a 3-position Model 70 style safety from Myers. This is the best choice in my opinion, scope or irons. But also the most expensive ($300). The other option is leave the military flag safety on the rifle and add a Timney "deluxe" trigger with trigger block safety which will be located on the side of the receiver and easily accessed with thumb. The military safety will be left disengaged (essentially filling the hole in bolt shroud) and side safety will be the go to. You would probably be replacing the Springfield's crappy two stage military trigger anyway. Another option if scope is affixed permanently is a Buhler style 2-position "wing" safety that replaces the military flag safety on the bolt shroud. These are well protected if scope is attached but not a good idea if scope is quick detached. The wing sticks up unprotected and too easily disengaged accidentally.

Yes sir I will keep you posted

 

[sestoppelman]

I have an 03 springfield that has been sporterized. Id love to find somebody i could send it to and have it converted to 375 and have it refurbished. Do any of you recommend anyone?

My first question would be, what exactly do you have? Early '03, 03A3, high number '03? What maker?

'03 Springfield covers a lot of ground.

 

[jruby]

The only possible "simpler conversions and better actions for 375" would be magnum length. Then you're talking some serious bucks for just the action ... if you can find one. And I question whether a magnum length action is even "better for this conversion." Magnum Mauser action is just longer, not stronger. A longer bolt throw can actually be an impediment during the frenzy of a buffalo charge. It's easier to short stroke and jam the rifle with two cartridges trying to feed at the same time. Some magnum actions carry one more cartridge in the magazine but it's certainly possible to order extended bottom metal for standard action that accommodates 4+1. A longer action also can limit the scopes it will accept or how they can be mounted. If the scope tube is too short between the bells, it may require extended ring or a rail over the loading port.

I think a 1917 or a 1914 would be better than the 1903 for a 375H&H length cartridge and they aren't that exspensive. I do realize we are talking about a 1903.