A recent acquisition.

1903 Sprinfield action, 300 Apex, Sako(?) bottom metal, 22" barrel, Jaeger trigger and swivels, 6 3/4 #s as pictured.

Nice!

Very nice!

Tell me more about the 300 Apex and please tell me more about the bottom metal. I have a 1903 build coming up and have been poking about for good bottom metal.

OT-

Fal Grunt, www.sunny-hill.com

has 03 TG's

According to Ackley:

"These cartridges are the development of the Apex Rifle Company, Sun Valley, California. These cartridges, with the exception of the .300 Super, are made by shortening and necking down .300 H&H brass. The .300 Super is identical to the standard .300 H&H except the shoulder angle, which is somewhat sharper. The 6.5, .300, and .35 Apex cartridges are quite similar to the Ackley`line in powder capacity but are slightly longer overall and feature considerably more body taper."

The .300 Apex is pretty close to the .308 Norma Mag, both in dimensions and ballistics. So, it was suitable for use in the non-mag actions of the day. The .308 Norma came along later.

I say the bottom metal is Sako (?). That's what I was told, and the mag box is stamped "made in Finland". But looking at it, I think it might be part Sako and part Springfield. I don't have a Sako of this vintage to compare it to. I'll post some pictures of it out of the stock and maybe someone here will know.

I'm waiting on a back issue of Precision Shooter that's supposed to have a good article on the Apex Rifle Company.

craigster,

Flaig's of Millvale,Pa had Sako make milled steel trigger guards for the 1903 Springfield back in the 50's.

from a Guns Magazine ad March 1959 "made for flaigs by Sako and featuring Sakos smooth working hinged floorplate, will fit any M-1903, dressed tang,blued,these will enhance any fine sporter $15.00"
Bob

quote:

Originally posted by manhasset:
OT-

Fal Grunt, www.sunny-hill.com

has 03 TG's

I don't know about everyone else, but I wrote Sunny Hill of my list of people to use. I have called multiple times and left messages, sent probably a dozen emails, and never a single response.

Interesting history on that Sako made a batch of bottom metal.

That is a nice rifle craigster. What kind of mounts does it have?

Fal Grunt,

I delt with Sunny Hill in 2008 when he made a run of Mex TG's. Delt with Andy Huebschmann, who I think is the owner. Great Guy,always updated communications and has a great product.
Bob

Interesting info on the Flaigs/Sako bottom metal, that's probably what it is. The base/rings is Redfield one piece.

The original milled Springfield trigger guards are really quite handsome. It is possible for your gunsmith to put a release button in the guard and fit a hinged floorplate. JD Steel showed me on that really looked nice with a straddle floorplate that he did. If you don't have to have a quick release floorplate the Springfield version is about as good looking as it gets as is.

Jerry Liles

This kind of trigger guard is quite seldom in SAKO´s production. I´m sure it is from Mod L57 or L579.

How close are the dimensions of your case and those of the 275 Mag from H&H? Who were the gunsmiths connected to the firm? A very nice old piece.

As I remember, Sam May ran the Apex Rifle Co.

When making brass I prefer to neck down 338 Win Mag brass in the Apex die and then fire form. Trim after fire forming.

My rifle has always been a great shooter!

The 275 H&H and the Apex are similar, the H&H is shorter and has a smaller shoulder diameter.