ex drill rifle from sarco

[schmedly]

several years ago Ibought a reactivated former drill rifle from Sarco . I purchased the M1903A3 model due to the sight arangement . The rifle I recieved is a fair example of the 03A3 . it was built by Remington in early 1943 , the stock I received is a Springfield Armory , sound but lacking in carrictor . My only problem with the rifle was that the bolt was very stiff when cocking the action . I inspected the bolt and decovered that where the bolt ingages the cocking peace was rough and causeing the bolt to bind . I cured the problem by polishing the bolt surface where it ingaged the cocking peace with rubbing compound . now the action is nice and smooth ! over time I have treated the stock with many coats of boiled linseed oil , the treatment protets and seals the wood plus gives the stock a nice patina . I also added a repoduction M1907 sling . The sling has been treated with neats foot oil to soften and preserve the leather , it also gets rid of the new stock look ! Here are some pics so you can see the progression from when received to current .

[Markeb2800]

Nice work. Sarco still offers 1903a3's in their add, but it doesn't say if they were drill rifles. Anyone know?

[schmedly]

schmedly here , The M1903A3 rifles featured in the Sarco add are reactivated drill rifles with an NOS barrell . My rifle came with a 1943 dated remington barrell . A lot of people look down at the ex drill rifles and they will never be collectors , but if you want a solid shooter and piece of history they work ! None of my weapons are " safe queens " and all go to the range . I would never buy a weapon and not shoot it due to its collecter statis . schmedly as always , Head Up , Eyes Out And ( First Point Of Contact ) In The Grass . First pic is what it looked like when received , second is after many coats of blo and a reproduction sling .

[Markeb2800]

Thanks for the info. My 03a3 has been drilled and tapped for after market rear sights, but now has the correct sight. Other than that, it is a beauty. Doesn't bother me a bit. I love shooting it.

[Calfed]

Nice Job, Schmedly. definite improvement in condition from when you received it.

How does it shoot?

[schmedly]

schmedly here , My 1903A3 shoots like the classic it is ! It is very accurate and with my old eyes the sights do a very good job . I have embarrested several people at the range with my old rifles and iron sights . I have made them and there high dollar rifles look bad by hitting better than there " scoped preciousion rifles " I have several rifles that i dearly love but the 03 seems to always get packed out on any range trip . schmedly , as always ,Head Up , Eyes Out And ( First Point Of Contact ) In The Grass .

[Calfed]

schmedly here , My 1903A3 shoots like the classic it is ! It is very accurate and with my old eyes the sights do a very good job . I have embarrested several people at the range with my old rifles and iron sights . I have made them and there high dollar rifles look bad by hitting better than there " scoped preciousion rifles " I have several rifles that i dearly love but the 03 seems to always get packed out on any range trip . schmedly , as always ,Head Up , Eyes Out And ( First Point Of Contact ) In The Grass .

You gotta love that...

[apachedawg]

I have a reactivated drill rifle too. Great shooter.

[Ed Wagner]

Nikce rifel

[S.B.]

I own a 1903A3 Remington and believe the date on the barrel is 1943? I bought it as a sporter and decided to put it back like it should be. Bought all the parts I needed but the stock which originally was a scant stock(chopped off at the stock tip). I've got so much arthritis i doubt I can get into either the sitting or prone positions anymore. My rifle will shoot 1"@100 yards off of bags.
Steve