Has anyone turned an '03 Springfield into a varmit rifle? I was thinking of having one done in .223. Pro's/Con's? Is there a better/easier military surplus rifle for this purpose?

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Is there a better/easier military surplus rifle for this purpose?

How about one of the earlier (Colt SP1) versions of the M-16? That would be ideal.

22-250 would be far easier... due to bolt face.

but the lock time will be horrid.

I have a 257bob on one that's sub 1/2 moa... probably the most accurate rifle I own today.

jeffe

I'd bet that 90% of the old varmint guns from the 50's and early 60's were built on 03's, mausers, etc. It can be done but with so many better platforms out there why bother? Pick up a beater Savage or Remington and for the same or less money you can build a varmint rifle that will outshoot any of the 03 rifles.

For less than $300 bucks in a lot of places you can pick up a brand new Stevens 223 or 22.250 that will work.

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Originally posted by mzr3yt:
Has anyone turned an '03 Springfield into a varmit rifle? I was thinking of having one done in .223. Pro's/Con's? Is there a better/easier military surplus rifle for this purpose?

If you've got the money, I'm sure you can find some one with the time.

Back in the early 50's had a .17Bee in an 03 Bullpup. Took lots of pararie dogs with it. It was a single shot. To me 03's present no more problems than 98's. Both can be made into fine rifles.

Here in the Northeast 03 varmint rifles built in the 40s and 50s show up frequently at gun shows at reasonable prices. Mostly .22-250, .220 Swift, heavy .257s. Have never seen a .223 or .222.