I have an A3-O3 rifle and have found a nice old military barrel to put on it. My question is this: "Is there a difference between an A3-O3 barrel and a standard Springfield 30-06 military rifle?"
thanks for your time.

yes and no - frequently a3 barrels were 2 grove (though some were 4) 03 barrels were all 4 grove. there's been arguments for years whether or not the 2 grove would shoot as well as the 4. however if your a3 is original it will decrease in value considerable if you rebarrel

Tejas 57:

It would be a lot easier to answer your question, if we knew what barrels we were talking about, and what A3 Action you have. Take a look at the end of both barrels, and give us the manufacturers name and dates when they were made. As to an A3 barrel screwing onto an 03 action or vise versa, no problem. If you are lucky, the barrel you want to install, will have just enough "crush" to line up the index marks on the barrel and action, check headspace, and go shoot.

Jerry

Thanks so much guys. My A3 has been my meat and potato gun ever since I have started hunting 30 years ago. It is ugly as sin but reliable. A couple of years ago I started using another rifle. But have always wanted to rebarrel my A3 cause the barrel gets fouled too easy and thus isn't as accurate. Since I found this replacement military barrel I am eager to put it on and get back into the woods with it.
Every time I go to my safe to get a rifle to hunt it's like my old A3 is wanting to go out with me. I think you understand. Anyway, thanks guys and God bless.

Tejas57,

What kind of barrel did you find? Is it new or used?

It is still possible to occasionally find a new in cosmoline barrel; most of them are the 2 groove Remington barrels, which shoot cast bullets very well. I haven't fired any jacketed bullets so can't report on them, but many people report excellent accuracy, in spite of 1960 folklore that they were sub-standard.

If it is a new barrel, it is short-chambered and will need to be finish-chambered.

Clarence

quote:

It is still possible to occasionally find a new in cosmoline barrel; most of them are the 2 groove Remington barrels, which shoot cast bullets very well. I haven't fired any jacketed bullets so can't report on them, but many people report excellent accuracy, in spite of 1960 folklore that they were sub-standard.

If it is a new barrel, it is short-chambered and will need to be finish-chambered.

Yep I got 4 of them standing in the closet, 2 of each flavor.

quote:

I have an A3-O3 rifle and have found a nice old military barrel to put on it. My question is this: "Is there a difference between an A3-O3 barrel and a standard Springfield 30-06 military rifle?"
thanks for your time.

The difference is in the profile. The military 03-A3 barrel is a heavier profile and has no provision for a rear sight (barrel mounted). The 1903 barrel has a slimmer profile to fit the rear sight collar. Either barrel should physically screw onto either receiver. The front sight may or may not index and of course headspace must be checked. As has been said, if it is a NOS barrel, it most likely is short-chambered. Nothing that a decent gunsmith can't handle.

If you like to keep it looking more or less original, CMP has both 03 and 03A3 barrels manufactured by Criterion for $179 plus shipping.

Stryker60