Difference between Sprinfield 03 and A03???

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21 February 2003, 08:07

Lorenzo

Difference between Sprinfield 03 and A03???

I want to buy some warne QD rings and bases for my 30-06 but which one I must buy??? 03 or A03??
Which is the difference???
Thanks
LG

21 February 2003, 08:20

<JBelk>

Lorenzo--

THe '03 had open sights mounted to the barrel.

The '03-A3 and A-4 had a dovetail on the rear bridge for a peep sight.

21 February 2003, 08:48

Lorenzo

JBelk,
Thank you very much, mine is a custom I bought some time ago (2nd hand), the barrel is a Douglas. Any indication in the action to give me an idea??
Thanks
LG

21 February 2003, 09:21

<JBelk>

Lorenzo--

The 03-A3 has a BIG dovetail sitting on top of the rear bridge. The 03 doesn't.

21 February 2003, 09:29

Lorenzo

Thanks,
Definetely mine is a 03
Hope is better than the other one [Smile]

21 February 2003, 10:40

ANCONA

Lorenzo,

I've just gone through a series of conflicting statements concerning the hazards of firing a 1903 if the serial number range denotes the single heat treatment receiver. The latest bad news I've received is that it may be OK to fire a LN under certain conditions, BUT NOT IF IT HAS BEEN DRILLED AND TAPPED FOR SCOPE MOUNTS. When I say conflicting, I mean it....from the same people in some cases. Maybe Mr. Belk could comment on this issue since his opinion is highly valued. Your 1903 may be in the double heat range and OK to fire. Best regards.

21 February 2003, 13:42

<JBelk>

ANCONA---

There is NO low number receivers that're safe to shoot. Hatcher's Notebook is the accepted reference for these since General Hatcher investigated the blow-ups and reported it to Congress.

Those receivers failed on Army rifle ranges with reletively low pressure G.I. loads and NONE were drilled and tapped.

Low Number Springfield M-1903s are those from--

Springfield Arsenal serial numbers BELOW 800,000
and Rock Island Arsenal BELOW 285,507.

There isn't a rifle on earth worth an eye.

22 February 2003, 03:28

Pa.Frank

quote:
Originally posted by JBelk:
ANCONA---

There is NO low number receivers that're safe to shoot. Hatcher's Notebook is the accepted reference for these since General Hatcher investigated the blow-ups and reported it to Congress.

Those receivers failed on Army rifle ranges with reletively low pressure G.I. loads and NONE were drilled and tapped.

Low Number Springfield M-1903s are those from--

Springfield Arsenal serial numbers BELOW 800,000
and Rock Island Arsenal BELOW 285,507.

There isn't a rifle on earth worth an eye.

JBelk is right on with his comments. The CMP is currently selling low numberd 03's, and they have the firing pins clipped and are sold as wallhangers only and come with a statement that they are considered unsafe and should not be fired. Additionally the Serial number for the Springfields is 825,000 not 800,000

22 February 2003, 03:42

jeffeosso

The 03 and 03a3 have, the differences

03 03a3
milled parts stamped
barrel sight receiver sight
GOOD follower tincan stamped follower
only HI SN good ALL good enough to shoot
GOOD metal finish lots of mill marks
are slick actions can be slicked up

Jeffe

22 February 2003, 07:16

GrandView

quote:
Originally posted by Pa.Frank:
[B Additionally the Serial number for the Springfields is 825,000 not 800,000 [/b]

Every resource I have says 800,000.

"There is no known date when Springfield Armory converted entirely to the double heat treatment process. The change occurred between receivers number 750,000 and 780,000. It is known that receiver number 800,000, completed on February 20, 1918 and all subsequent receivers were double heat treated."

GV