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Hoffman Arms 1903 Bolt Sleeve Sight

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02 October 2021, 23:14
TCLouis
Hoffman Arms 1903 Bolt Sleeve Sight
In lieu of cash I recently received this in consideration for repairs/operation instructions on his STAR Lubrisizer.

I have never seen one of these 1903 firing pin bolt sleeve, rocker style safety and receiver sight base all in one. Solves the scope clearance issue for sure, though a pretty pricey solution.

The staff part of the sight is missing.
Does anyone know if any of the currently manufactured receiver sight parts will fit.
If I were smart enough I would post a picture, because I doubt a whole lot of folks have seen one of these bolt sleeves(then again, maybe just my naivete of parts firearms speaking here too).

It took me a few minutes to figure out that STAR luber so I could determine what I needed to machine to get it operational. Pretty dang slick design on that luber I must say.

Well the same ingenuity on the bolt sleeve assembly. IF it is compatible with my aftermarket triggers I may just have to put it in one of my guns.
Only markings on the Bolt Sleeve is Hoffman Arms Co. ?(I forget city) Ohio

I guess they made these for guns they were building at some time in the past.



Don't limit your challenges . . .
Challenge your limits


03 October 2021, 04:28
SlamFire
I remember reading about the Griffin and Howe, M1903 sleeve sight in 1920s Arms and the Man, or American Rifleman.




https://www.gunsinternational....cfm?gun_id=101422013

A missing elevation staff is a pretty major part to lose. I bet it was taken off when the rifle was scoped. And once the rifle and staff were parted, well the staff is gone. I don't know where you would find any parts at all. Someone with a machine shop would have to create new parts.

The only other suggestion is buy a whole bunch of vintage rear sights and see the elevation staffs fit. Which I doubt, as this is a Griffin and Howe sight, and why should they make it interchangeable with anyone else's gear?

Hard to know what one of those is worth. Shooters don't use Lyman 48S's on 03's anymore. Heck, who uses 03's except for banging away in vintage military rifle matches?


03 October 2021, 21:13
Duane Wiebe (CG&R)
The book, "The Modern Gunsmilth" by Howe, give deailed plans to make the sleve, sight and safety combo you mention.

Looks lile you better have a background in watchmaking!
05 October 2021, 17:51
Fal Grunt
I bid on one of those about 10 years ago, but it was a less common variant. I remember the price, $800, because it was two weeks pay. I just had to let it go. I thought I had saved the ebay listing but I cannot find it now.

Duane, thanks for the reference to Howe, I have his "Professional Gunsmith" book and I never knew he had another!


Nathaniel Myers
Myers Arms LLC
nathaniel@myersarms.com
www.myersarms.com
Follow us on Instagram and YouTube

I buy Mauser actions, parts, micrometers, tools, calipers, etc. Specifically looking for pre-WWII Mauser tools.
05 October 2021, 19:32
TCLouis
Yes Slamfire, that be it!
Thank You!
Wonder if the rest of it is in someone junk?wish drawer or long since thrown away as junk.

Since it is complete with firing pin, I may have to see if it will work as a safety with scoped rifle.



Don't limit your challenges . . .
Challenge your limits


06 October 2021, 23:13
Duane Wiebe (CG&R)
quote:
Originally posted by Fal Grunt:
I bid on one of those about 10 years ago, but it was a less common variant. I remember the price, $800, because it was two weeks pay. I just had to let it go. I thought I had saved the ebay listing but I cannot find it now.

Duane, thanks for the reference to Howe, I have his "Professional Gunsmith" book and I never knew he had another!


The plans start in Vol.II Page 282..If you don't have that, I can run off a copy Let me know
06 October 2021, 23:54
TCLouis
Mine does not have READY stamped on the safety selector so I have no idea how it falls in the production sequence.
Does he mention whether the "staff" is unique or the same as one of the "current period" receiver sights?

The book seems to be still in publication

https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffsb...mith%2C+Howe+&ia=web

Duckduckgo.com does NOT track you like googglespyeyesdoes



Don't limit your challenges . . .
Challenge your limits


07 October 2021, 00:47
Fal Grunt
quote:
Originally posted by Duane Wiebe (CG&R):
The plans start in Vol.II Page 282..If you don't have that, I can run off a copy Let me know


I appreciate the offer Duane!

Ebay had the two volume set for $38 so I ordered that.

Thank you though!


Nathaniel Myers
Myers Arms LLC
nathaniel@myersarms.com
www.myersarms.com
Follow us on Instagram and YouTube

I buy Mauser actions, parts, micrometers, tools, calipers, etc. Specifically looking for pre-WWII Mauser tools.
07 October 2021, 00:51
richj
and Howe


08 October 2021, 15:04
Fal Grunt
Wow, book arrived yesterday and I am IMPRESSED!

When I went to CST I wish they had given us these books as text books instead of all the worthless garbage they did!

VERY IMPRESSED!


Nathaniel Myers
Myers Arms LLC
nathaniel@myersarms.com
www.myersarms.com
Follow us on Instagram and YouTube

I buy Mauser actions, parts, micrometers, tools, calipers, etc. Specifically looking for pre-WWII Mauser tools.
22 October 2021, 06:52
TCLouis
From the looks it will be a well traveled book by the time it ever . . .EVER gets to me.
NOT far, nor fast, but local run around it seems.
Tracking details
USPS tracking #9XXXXXX

Oct 20, 2021
5:33am
ARRIVED AT USPS REGIONAL FACILITY
DENVER CO DISTRIBUTION CENTER, 80266
Oct 20, 2021
3:43am
DEPARTED USPS REGIONAL FACILITY
DENVER CO NETWORK DISTRIBUTION, 80217
Oct 19, 2021
1:30pm
PROCESSED THROUGH USPS FACILITY
DENVER CO NETWORK DISTRIBUTION, 80217
Oct 19, 2021
12:53pm
ARRIVE USPS FACILITY
DENVER CO NETWORK DISTRIBUTION, 80217
Oct 19, 2021
2:47am
ARRIVED AT USPS REGIONAL FACILITY
SHERIDAN, WY 82801
Oct 19, 2021
12:26am
DEPARTED USPS REGIONAL FACILITY
BILLINGS MT DISTRIBUTION CENTER, 59101
Oct 18, 2021
11:38pm
DEPARTED USPS REGIONAL FACILITY
BILLINGS MT DISTRIBUTION CENTER, 59101
Oct 18, 2021
7:51pm
PROCESSED THROUGH USPS FACILITY
BILLINGS MT DISTRIBUTION CENTER, 59101
Oct 18, 2021
11:08am
DEPART POST OFFICE
SHAWMUT, MT 59078
Oct 18, 2021
10:02am
USPS IN POSSESSION OF ITEM
SHAWMUT, MT 59078
Oct 17, 2021
6:18pm
PRE-SHIPMENT INFO SENT USPS AWAITS ITEM
SHAWMUT, MT 59078
Oct 17, 2021
4:10pm
SHIPPING LBL CREATED USPS AWAITS ITEM
SHAWMUT, MT 59078
Oct 17, 2021
3:10pm
Tracking number provided

I reckon it does not want to leave the west.



Don't limit your challenges . . .
Challenge your limits


27 October 2021, 22:29
Russ Gould
yes the third world virus has infected the post office


Russ Gould - Whitworth Arms LLC
BigfiveHQ.com, Large Calibers and African Safaris
Doublegunhq.com, Fine English, American and German Double Rifles and Shotguns
VH2Q.com, Varmint Rifles and Gear
27 October 2021, 23:41
TCLouis
Looking at the google earth map of Shawmut, MT I think 3rd world is unlikely.
Anyway book came in Monday's mail from C. Jocobs Store in Shawmut, MT.
The best packed package I have ever received from an ebay seller or anyone else for that matter.
Indestructible plastic sack with clear cushioning wrapped (sender and receivers addresses enclosed in that layer)book that has one more layer of plain paper. This person has it down to thwart the PO at every level.

Guess I will b delving into it this afternoon.



Don't limit your challenges . . .
Challenge your limits


28 October 2021, 00:53
Atkinson
Most if not all of the receiver sights mounted on the cocking piece has all manor of problems in that the had movement that opened up groups to one degree or another...Several gun smiths brought this to my attention..I liked the concept on my African type English rifles but stayed with barrel mounted rear sights or Talley Peep.

Any experts on this post are welcome as to these bolt mounted sights would be appreciated.


Ray Atkinson
Atkinson Hunting Adventures
10 Ward Lane,
Filer, Idaho, 83328
208-731-4120

rayatkinsonhunting@gmail.com