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.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

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.

I am looking at building 375 on my late wife's grandfather's P14. The only advantage over 1903 is P14 bolt face is already opened up. Might be a bit easier to modify the P14's separate magazine box. Safety is already in the right place on the side of the receiver. I am no fan of the guppy belly so will be flattening the trigger guard for 3+1 capacity. Also definitely not a fan of cock on closing. That can be fixed but requires changing the bolt shroud and trigger. The most troublesome obstacle is getting rid of those damn rear sight ears on the receiver. Still not sure what to do with the huge hole in top of rear ring underneath military rear sight. How do I fill that? And 1917/P14 is notorious for ejector spring breaking. I understand the defective leaf spring can be replaced with a coil spring after modifying the ejector and the receiver. So, there's pluses and minuses for either action choice but I definitely prefer 1903. It is one of the smoothest, if not the smoothest, cycling ever made. And no ears to cut off. Tap it and you're ready for a scope.

 

[jruby]

I am looking at building 375 on my late wife's grandfather's P14. The only advantage over 1903 is P14 bolt face is already opened up. Might be a bit easier to modify the P14's separate magazine box. Safety is already in the right place on the side of the receiver. I am no fan of the guppy belly so will be flattening the trigger guard for 3+1 capacity. Also definitely not a fan of cock on closing. That can be fixed but requires changing the bolt shroud and trigger. The most troublesome obstacle is getting rid of those damn rear sight ears on the receiver. Still not sure what to do with the huge hole in top of rear ring underneath military rear sight. How do I fill that? And 1917/P14 is notorious for ejector spring breaking. I understand the defective leaf spring can be replaced with a coil spring after modifying the ejector and the receiver. So, there's pluses and minuses for either action choice but I definitely prefer 1903. It is one of the smoothest, if not the smoothest, cycling ever made. And no ears to cut off. Tap it and you're ready for a scope.

You have pros and cons to both. Two big advantages of the enfield action it is large enough for the round and the enfield action is stringer. Many cartridges that the enfield action has been chambered in I would not attempt in the springfield I have them both and hold both in high regard.

 

[Jared640]

I reached out to the company posted on page 1 of this thread. They seamed confident that they could handle the work. They are supposed to call me tomorrow with a price.

 

[sestoppelman]

I reached out to the company posted on page 1 of this thread. They seamed confident that they could handle the work. They are supposed to call me tomorrow with a price.

So what kind of Springfield is it?

 

[Muskox]

As I understand it the perrov version of the 400 whelen comes close to being the equal of a 450/400 Nitro express in a bolt gun. Just trying to understand why that is usefu in NA. Want is one thing usefulness is another.

I think it depends on what you hunt with it.

I would use a 400 Whelen for everything and not look back.

Bit short ranged for sheep, pronghorns and Coues deer.

Hell of an elk, moose and bear rifle.

 

[Mike70560]

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.

This is very important. There are strength issues with the early 03 receivers. The link will bring you to the serial number history by maker.

Springfield 1903s--Introduction of improved heat treatment at Serial Number 800,000 and nickel steel at Serial number 1,275,767.

Rock Island 1903s--Introduction of improved heat treatment at Serial Number 285,507 and nickel steel at Serial number 319,921.

U.S. Springfield Model 1903 Production - Springfield Armory National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service)

www.nps.gov

Oddly enough I have an 03A3 that is sporterized that I am returning to a Model 1903A4 which is the sniper version of the 03A3. Plan to shoot it in CMP Vintage Sniper Matches

 

[Jared640]

Ah he called back after doing more checking and is afraid of feeding issues. I have several 98 mausers. I wonder if I could build one of them into a DG rifle??

 

[dlmac]

Thanks for the information. I'm an archery guy. I have been to africa a few times. This sprinfield was my grandfather's. I know a 30-06 is fine for plains game but I want to take something that was his and make it mine. The plan is to carry it with me to africa and use during animal recovery and maybe take one animal each trip with it.

I have a 375-338 Win Mag aka 375 Taylor. It shoots good, so I would vote for that conversion.

 

[leslie hetrick]

I BOUGHT THIS 03 CONVERSION IN 3006 AT PUBLIC AUCTION(NO HISTORY ON IT), BUT WHO EVER DID THE WORK KNEW WHAT THEY WERE DOING. IT,S A EX RIFLE SHOOTING WITH THE BEST OF THEM. I SOLD IT TO A VERY GOOD FRIEND WHO TOOK A LIKING TO IT SEVERAL YEARS AGO. I THINK THE CONVERSION WAS DONE IN THE LATE 40,S OT EARLY 50,S.

 

[sestoppelman]

Ah he called back after doing more checking and is afraid of feeding issues. I have several 98 mausers. I wonder if I could build one of them into a DG rifle??

What kind of 03 is it?

 

[Jared640]

What kind of 03 is it?

 

[jruby]

I BOUGHT THIS 03 CONVERSION IN 3006 AT PUBLIC AUCTION(NO HISTORY ON IT), BUT WHO EVER DID THE WORK KNEW WHAT THEY WERE DOING. IT,S A EX RIFLE SHOOTING WITH THE BEST OF THEM. I SOLD IT TO A VERY GOOD FRIEND WHO TOOK A LIKING TO IT SEVERAL YEARS AGO. I THINK THE CONVERSION WAS DONE IN THE LATE 40,S OT EARLY 50,S.

What cartridge is it chambered for?

 

[Jared640]

What cartridge is it chambered for?

30-06