When the 1903 was designed the Army was used to the Krag with its supersmooth working action. It was not possible to make the 1903 quite as slick but they did their best and as a result the prewar rifles are easier to work in rapid fire than an 1898 Mauser. The Mauser handles gas escape better and has a one piece firing pin so is theoretically a little safer and stronger in design than the 1903. NOntheless I feel that the operating ease of the 1903 makes up into a better sporting rifle, especially if you stick to the '06 and its variants, .270, .35 Whelen, etc.

This is a .338 Winnie that I had built up on a 1903 action. I've only been able to shoot it once but it shot nice. BTW, Mike Scherz of Gila River Custom Guns (928.580.0976) in Yuma, AZ (Micheal S. of our forums) was the gunsmith who did the work.

[ 07-23-2003, 02:26: Message edited by: JLHeard ]

Some nice looking rifles.......

Keep them coming.....

Thanks
Frank D

What alterations other than drill and tap for a scope has to be done to the 1903 Action to sporterize it assuming you want to use a scope at all?

Agunner012

Any idea what that work would cost? Approx?

Agunner012

Thanks GrandView, sounds reasonable too.

Thanks again for all the great info and pictures.....What an education, and a great forum!!!!!!