Recent thread got me thinking, is there any quality bottom metal for Springfields? 03a3's all need replacement, and the factory 03 units aren't hinged, only come in the one size etc. The custom route is expensive and you have to find the right smith.

anyways, anybody thinking about making them or too small a market?

Red

Red

what did you see at the Guild show?

quote:

Originally posted by Dago Red:
Recent thread got me thinking, is there any quality bottom metal for Springfields? 03a3's all need replacement, and the factory 03 units aren't hinged, only come in the one size etc.

I really think there's so much to recommend the original 03 milled bottom metal. It's good looking and high quality. They can still be hinged rather inexpensively (compared to the cost of custom units).

I have several done by various smiths....button released and lever released. I think it's the proper.......and only solution for a Springfield custom.

Although I may be biased.

GV

I agree, I think your best bet is to get some the 1903 milled bottom metal and have it hinged. I have a 03 that is about finished that Jim Dubell hinged for me. It actually is less than custom bottom metal. And looks nice to boot. Plus if you have a smith hinge it for you you have several release options to choose from.

What would one expect to pay to have the 03 floorplate setup hinged?

at the show I for some reason was really getting stuck looking at the stock work, how different things were executed. And I was checking out bolt handles, looking for an example of how I wanted one done on my enfield.

I talked to Pat about checkering, she was real nice, gave me some tips and told me I could contact her if I got stuck on something. I talked to another stock maker James something about his fitting stock, I thought it was interesting.

It seemed to me there were more engravers and less gunmakers than I would have expected/liked.

Oh, I checked out the Smithson mounts, too cool. bought SDH book (great book by the way) and asked him about the Farquerson (spell?) versus the hagn. Looked at some blanks but resisted spending money.

My eye is getting a little better trained I think, I was picking out more details than I have before, or at least different ones. Heilman's trigger treatment on one of the rifles was neat.

Red

i put a blackburn 17 on my 1903a3 in 416 AR with not much effort.

quote:

Originally posted by Dago Red:
What would one expect to pay to have the 03 floorplate setup hinged?

$100-$150 depending on type of release.

GV

I have a 1903 with the stamped medal trigger guard. Where can I find a machined one?

Buck,

quote:

Originally posted by Buck3:
I have a 1903 with the stamped medal trigger guard. Where can I find a machined one?

Ebay, gun auctions (search for 1903 milled trigger guard), or a replica from Numrich. There are some issues with the replica that I can't recall now. Other AR members will fill you in.

GV

http://www.e-gunparts.com/DisplayAd.asp?chrProductSKU=726640&chrSuperSKU=&MC=

Thanks, I did find several on eBay. What should I expect to pay for one in good condition?

Buck,

quote:

Originally posted by Buck3:
Thanks, I did find several on eBay. What should I expect to pay for one in good condition?

Buck,

The one I saw a week or so ago on EBay went for $88, I think it was.

You might also try Jouster, can't remember the exact address. springfield collectors. and often times if something is not 100% original they'll be wililng to sell it. That is where I found some parts for my 03a3 that I needed. Can't remember any costs of course, it's been a couple of years now.

Look for my new thread soon asking for pics of spingfield bottom metal.

Red

I will be replacing a stamped floor plate on an existing gun with a machined one. Are there several different sizes that may not fit my gun? I don't want to do any wood work as the stock is finished. Mine is a 03A3 Rem.

Buck,

I think that in the 1960's Flaig's, in Millvale PA imported a hinged floorplate/magazine/guard assembly for 1903s, I am not sure whether it was steel or dural, may have been made by Sako. Also there is the aluminum assembly which used to be offered by Michaels of Oregon, with an embossed game scene on the floorplate, Brownell's still sells it for Mausers. This has a small hinge pin and is ugly, but if you smooth off the embossing and reblack, it improves.