Just picked up my first Sedgley. Nice old gun, showing honest wear, not built on one of the "low serial number" actions. There are a couple of things that need attention. First, it appears the part of the original front blade that was made of brass is missing so I am probably going to need to replace the entire blade (Unless there is another option). Any idea where I can find such a blade? Second, the original three-position safety has been replaced by a two-position safety and I really don't care for it. How hard will it be to convert it back to a three -position? (The two-postion is far too easy to move to the "fire" position.

As always, thanks for advice and direction.

JDG

Any photos ? and how can you tell it is was not built on one of the low numbered actions? I was under the understanding that most of his rifles were re-heat treated actions.

About 12 years ago when I was living in Washington State a pawnshop had one in 30-06.

It was amazing! And I think the price was $750. At the time and me being 25, I didn't see the need for another rifle in that caliber.

Now I have 5 or 6 30-06 rifles, and I'd take another 20.

Some day I hope to bump into another Sedgley for such a good price.

quote:

Originally posted by Doublegun:
Just picked up my first Sedgley. Nice old gun, showing honest wear, not built on one of the "low serial number" actions. There are a couple of things that need attention. First, it appears the part of the original front blade that was made of brass is missing so I am probably going to need to replace the entire blade (Unless there is another option). Any idea where I can find such a blade? Second, the original three-position safety has been replaced by a two-position safety and I really don't care for it. How hard will it be to convert it back to a three -position? (The two-postion is far too easy to move to the "fire" position.

As always, thanks for advice and direction.

JDG

Does it have the original front sight? If so it should not be hard to replace it. Brass???

As for the safety, converting it back may take a new firing pin assembly if the original had been modified for that safety. The complete bolt shroud needs to be replaced.

quote:

Originally posted by 458Win:
Any photos ? and how can you tell it is was not built on one of the low numbered actions? I was under the understanding that most of his rifles were re-heat treated actions.

Since getting the rifle I have done quite a bit of research and I have discovered that this topic is one of the most debated topics when it comes to 1903 actions. I may be correct, I may not be and at the end of the day I really don't think I care so here goes: According to the CMP website, the actions were changed over "approximately" at serial number 800000 and they can be identified by the swept back bolt. The serial number on my action (which is on the front bridge) is 797XXX and the bolt is swept back. That's all that I am going on.

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Kobe:

quote:

Originally posted by Doublegun:
Just picked up my first Sedgley. Nice old gun, showing honest wear, not built on one of the "low serial number" actions. There are a couple of things that need attention. First, it appears the part of the original front blade that was made of brass is missing so I am probably going to need to replace the entire blade (Unless there is another option). Any idea where I can find such a blade? Second, the original three-position safety has been replaced by a two-position safety and I really don't care for it. How hard will it be to convert it back to a three -position? (The two-postion is far too easy to move to the "fire" position.

As always, thanks for advice and direction.

JDG

Does it have the original front sight? If so it should not be hard to replace it. Brass???

As for the safety, converting it back may take a new firing pin assembly if the original had been modified for that safety. The complete bolt shroud needs to be replaced.

The front blade is definitely bent and I believe it's original. Fixing it appears to be a two-step process: I need to have the blade removed and then hopefully a new brass bead brazed into place. I have already spoken with a local smith who is very good and he thinks it should be relatively easy to repair. I shot the rifle this past week and it's definitely a shooter - nice tight groups. The front blade is annoying but not fatal.

As for the bolt, it's off to a friend who knows his way around 1903's. He hasn't seen it yet but he thinks replacing the shroud is about all that needs to be done (I don't even know what constitutes the shroud). I posted photos on the section for sporterized military rifles under the topic "Where are all the Sedgley's" including a photo of the current two-position safety.

Doublegun: The serial number change over (high vs low number) is a matter of record. Memory tells me you're a little south of that

No matter what, still a cherished posession.

quote:

Originally posted by Duane Wiebe:
Doublegun: The serial number change over (high vs low number) is a matter of record. Memory tells me you're a little south of that

No matter what, still a cherished posession.

I have been told that 800000 was a matter of record. Regardless I plan to shoot and enjoy the rifle.