Buying a 1903 Springfield, HELP!!
Hey Everyone!
2 days ago i was at my local country gunshop and i saw an original Unertl 12x Target scope in the case, for sale! Ive always dreamed of owning one and mounting it atop a springfield '03, so i forked out the hefty asking price knowing i could always mount it on a different rifle if need be. (dont ask what i paid, i know i got taken to an extent) Anyways, with the heavily depleted funds i still still have i want to get a 1903 springfield that is accurate and worthy of this scope. I dont know enough about the guns and their history to have an idea of where or what to look for. All i know is im not worried about originality/collectibility and i want to set one up similar to the 1903A4 sniper versions that i always drooled over. It has to be shootable and accurate though becuase i want to put it to use on paper and possibly take it hunting.
Any information that anyone could give me would be greatly appreciated...thanks!!
2 days ago i was at my local country gunshop and i saw an original Unertl 12x Target scope in the case, for sale! Ive always dreamed of owning one and mounting it atop a springfield '03, so i forked out the hefty asking price knowing i could always mount it on a different rifle if need be. (dont ask what i paid, i know i got taken to an extent) Anyways, with the heavily depleted funds i still still have i want to get a 1903 springfield that is accurate and worthy of this scope. I dont know enough about the guns and their history to have an idea of where or what to look for. All i know is im not worried about originality/collectibility and i want to set one up similar to the 1903A4 sniper versions that i always drooled over. It has to be shootable and accurate though becuase i want to put it to use on paper and possibly take it hunting.
Any information that anyone could give me would be greatly appreciated...thanks!!
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Go to:
http://www.odcmp.com/
Click on SALES on the right side.
No way you can go wrong getting one from the CMP.
"The Greatest Battle Implement Ever Devised!"
-- Gen. George S. Patton
referring to the M1 Garand0 -
Well, there's no easy solution to your situation.
The one thing we know for sure is that the scope is a commercial scope never used by the military; the USMC M1903A1 sniper used only a 8X Unertl scope. But, before you trash the rifle, we need to be sure that it is not a (scarce) M1903A1 that is otherwise correct. So, you're going to have to either check some reference books, such as Peter Senich's The Complete Book of U.S. Sniping, or take a lot of digital photos that you can show to the guys who read the M1903/A3/A4 forum at www.jouster.com.
Converting your rifle to a mock USMC sniper rifle will not be that difficult. If it doesn't have a pistol grip stock, you should be able to find one. The problem with the Unertl is that it is a target scope, & it's size makes the rifle difficult to carry for hunting (it's almost as long as the rifle).
A mock 1903A4 will be more difficult, especially since it was based on the 1903A3 not the 1903, & all were made by Remington. The Unertl was never used on the 1903A4. You'd need a different scope, rings, & base, & probably another stock & handguard. You can read more about it in Mr. Senich's book, or check the January 2002 issue of the American Rifleman for an article by Bruce Canfield.
Neal0 -
here's my 2 cents of the 1903. I use to own one, the barrel was soo pitted, so rusty, it still shot nice groups at 60 yards without cleaning. If you want a sniper rifle, go with a Springfield 1903
It's not war untill someone breaks out the .50 calibers.0 -
i have been seriously considering mounting my UNERTL 18X 1 1/2" TARGET SCOPE atop my ROCK ISLAND 1903 (1918 DOM) for awhile...
its the correct look, and i so want to test the gun/glass combo out at 600 yds...
best regards, mike.
What other dungeon is so dark as ones own heart, what jailer so inexorable as ones own mind.
contact me at the shop at waltsgun@aol.com best regards, mike.0 -
if your scope has the 'spring return adjustable type mounts' it will be VERY difficult to mount this on a springfield (nothing is impossible). but would require much modification of the rifle and would not look 'right'. note the scope in the obove picture uses solid redfield (3/4") type mounts and has internal adjustments. 0 -
if you cannot locate an original, or post war set of the correct mounts for this application, there are at least 2 companies making an OEM reproduction of the UNERTL TARGET BLOCK BASES specificly designed to mount these scopes onto an 03.
while this would nessesitate drilling and tapping, followed by installation of the target block bases, i think its a valid, viable option.
you may be unable to use iron sights on an 03 set up in this fashion without 1st removing the target block bases.
its doable, and i am leaning in that direction, but there arguably are drawbacks...
best regards, mike.
What other dungeon is so dark as ones own heart, what jailer so inexorable as ones own mind.
contact me at the shop at waltsgun@aol.com best regards, mike.0 -
Thank you all very much for the information and your opinions on the matter. I checked out the CMP site and the price seems right so i think im going to try and purchase one from them seeing as i already qualify.
The only question i have regarding the CMP rifles is will they shoot well? Anyone have experience? I noticed they said many of the rifles have seen considerable use and been rebuilt. I think im going to get the 1903A3 as long as it will work with my scope?...
Thanks again everyone!0 -
The A4 had a specially modified bolt to allow the bolt handle to clear the scope eyepiece. These bolts used to be plentiful on the surplus market. Otherwise it's a cutting& welding gunsmith project to modify the bolt.
In your shoes, I'd go for the A3 as it is the stronger.
I hope the Unertl bases now being produced will fit the A3.
I too bought a Unertl scope that I've wanted for many years. Mine's going to go on an AR to test some barrels for accuracy.0 -
v35 brought up a good point. The 1903A3 will definitely NOT work with your scope. Heck, the 1903A4 bolt handle barely works with the scope that it was designed for! Any variation in ring height or scope configuration will require custom welding, & the resulting bolt handle may even look bizarre in shape.
Most of the 1903/1903A3 rifles from CMP are serviceable, but it is luck of the draw. Some have new barrels, some have worn ones. None are collectible, as most have been reparked & have had numbers stamped or engraved on the stock and/or bolt. In addition, all were immersed in grease, & it is impossible to get all the grease out of the wood.
Neal0 -
cwinn, I sent you an email with some info about blocks for mounting a Unertl on a 1903. I don't know if the email went through. Email me if you didn't get the email and I will resend or post on the forum. 0
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