I bought this M1903 with the intent to raid it for the stock set. It's not everyday that you come across a prewar C stock in crisp, undamaged condition.
When it arrived, the stock was every bit as nice as I had hoped for. The outside was unsanded and there's barely any damage. Inside, there are original shavings left from the inletting process at Springfield Armory. The barrel and receiver are an original 1915 pairing. The bolt appears to be a National Match WL3. My theory, given the frankenstein nature of the rifle, is that someone wanted a National Match 03A1 but had to piece it together from a run of the mill 03 that he obtained.
The wood to metal fit is excellent, especially when you look at the front where the band, barrel, and stock nose meet. The bolt and sear were also fitted with great care, as there is no movement of the cocking piece whatsoever when the trigger is pulled. Even my Swedish m/96 isn't quite this precisely assembled.
After checking the headspace, I wanted to see what this NM imitation could do. Yes, I know the risk with low number 03s. I used HXP brass and Nosler 168gr CCs. Despite the rain and shifting light that I blame for the vertical dispersion, the rifle is very clearly capable of excellent groupings. I imagine that the man who put this rifle together was a serious shooter in his day.
When it arrived, the stock was every bit as nice as I had hoped for. The outside was unsanded and there's barely any damage. Inside, there are original shavings left from the inletting process at Springfield Armory. The barrel and receiver are an original 1915 pairing. The bolt appears to be a National Match WL3. My theory, given the frankenstein nature of the rifle, is that someone wanted a National Match 03A1 but had to piece it together from a run of the mill 03 that he obtained.
The wood to metal fit is excellent, especially when you look at the front where the band, barrel, and stock nose meet. The bolt and sear were also fitted with great care, as there is no movement of the cocking piece whatsoever when the trigger is pulled. Even my Swedish m/96 isn't quite this precisely assembled.
After checking the headspace, I wanted to see what this NM imitation could do. Yes, I know the risk with low number 03s. I used HXP brass and Nosler 168gr CCs. Despite the rain and shifting light that I blame for the vertical dispersion, the rifle is very clearly capable of excellent groupings. I imagine that the man who put this rifle together was a serious shooter in his day.