1903 Springfield sporter scope mount help

[Southpaw]

I picked up this sporterized 1903 on the cheap, looks like Dec./42 Remington with a 8/44 SA barrel very sharp an shiny.

I just want to shoot this but having trouble finding scope mounts that might work on this oddball, from my research it looks like this is a transition rifle, late production Remington 1903s before transitioning to the 1903A3. The receiver cuts look similar to the 1903A3 but their very shallow and would not hold a rear peep.

I wish the previous owner would have left the mounts or the rear sight. But after I saw what early barrel mounted rear sights go for yikes!!!

Anyway, any help would be appreciated, being a old surplus guy, I really just want to shoot it for kicks, and then give it to one of my right handed sons, as being a lefty, my thumb doesn't work with the stock to well.

Check what appears to be a nursing calf artwork on the stock, maybe it was a ranchers large predator gun? IDK

Thanks, Southpaw

Read More

 

[1911Fanatic]

I have a sporterized scoped 1903 from sometime in the 1930's in my safe. It was my MIL's hunting rifle. If I get a chance later I will dig it out and photograph the mounts for you

 

[Southpaw]

I have a sporterized scoped 1903 from sometime in the 1930's in my safe. It was my MIL's hunting rifle. If I get a chance later I will dig it out and photograph

Perfect, thank you Sir!
no rush

 

[bcp]

There are dozens of odd mounts, no longer in production and fading from memory, from the 40's to the 70's. I have seen many but not like these, so far. Can you post a photo of the front of the receiver, showing the hole arrangement and serial number?

Bruce

 

[1911Fanatic]

Here are the pics. The numbers are under the scope, so I can't photograph them.

 

[1911Fanatic]

I should also ad that there was a "1933" on the hood under the front scope mount. If it is anything like my late contract 03 A3 SC it means the code for the factory not the year. This has been rebarreld and is probably a .257 Robert's now. I need to have a gunsmith check it out.

 

[bcp]

That's a 98 Mauser, with Weaver rings and probably Weaver bases.

Bruce

 

[bcp]

My "suspicion'" on the OP's rifle.

I believe the OP rifle is an 1903a3, judging by the remaining receiver bridge shape and the magazine cutoff pin housing.

I think it had a 3-hole one piece base, with one hole in the receiver bridge, and the base straddled the dovetail. Later the 1-piece base was replaced with a 2-piece base, needing 2 more holes in the receiver bridge, and the base used was intended for a curved top earlier Springfield rifle, so the top was ground down to a curve.

Bruce

 

[orygun]

Hey, @jbett98 !
Do you have anything that might help this guy out?

 

[jbett98]

I'll take a look this today.

 

[Southpaw]

My "suspicion'" on the OP's rifle.

I believe the OP rifle is an 1903a3, judging by the remaining receiver bridge shape and the magazine cutoff pin housing.

I think it had a 3-hole one piece base, with one hole in the receiver bridge, and the base straddled the dovetail. Later the 1-piece base was replaced with a 2-piece base, needing 2 more holes in the receiver bridge, and the base used was intended for a curved top earlier Springfield rifle, so the top was ground down to a curve.

Bruce

Thanks Bruce and 1911Fanatic

Here's a few more pics

 

[1911Fanatic]

I will take some pics of my 03A3 too. BRB.

 

[1911Fanatic]

 

[1911Fanatic]

That's a 98 Mauser, with Weaver rings and probably Weaver bases.

Bruce

Oh ok, thanks. What is the 1933 on the hood mean? Also the hole at the end of the barrel is small for a 30-06. Maybe it said 1942. I can't remember now. It could be a mosh mash I guess. I had to take everything apart when we got them because they were so leaded from hand loads and were covered in dust and webs. They sat in a walk in gun vault untouched since the mid 1970's.

The scoped Sporter was her mom's rifle, the SC was her grandfather's. Do you think the Corona would be safe to shoot with modern hunting ammo in 150 grain? If not, I will buy some Steiner Gatand safe ammo.

 

[Southpaw]

Here's a closeup it's hrs to tell from the pic but the center hole looks to be a factory hol?
The threads are tightly machined and the hole has a patina ton it that the somewhat freshly
Scope mount holes do not. They also appear off center a bit. Maybe that center hole was made to hold a peep similar to the A3?

IDK, just spit balling here. A peep would be fine if that's the case since the front sight is in tact.

 

[bcp]

One piece scope mounts used the center hole for the rear attachment, as shown in this inverted Redfield base. The recess to cover the receiver dovetail is not dovetailed, just straight sides. The screw holds it down.



Your receiver can't mount the original sight as the dovetail is gone, but there are several brands of receiver sights that mount on the side of the receiver after drilling and tapping holes there.

For example:

Williams 5D-03/A3 Receiver Peep Sight Springfield 1903A3 Aluminum

Lightweight aluminum Williams 5D Receiver Sights are designed for rugged use and feature positive windage and elevation locks. Please note that your...

www.midwayusa.com

Some 1903 receiver sight bases won't fit a 1903a3 without grinding off part of the base.



Bruce

 

[Southpaw]

One piece scope mounts used the center hole for the rear attachment, as shown in this inverted Redfield base. The recess to cover the receiver dovetail is not dovetailed, just straight sides. The screw holds it down.

View attachment 2317655

Your receiver can't mount the original sight as the dovetail is gone, but there are several brands of receiver sights that mount on the side of the receiver after drilling and tapping holes there.

For example:

Williams 5D-03/A3 Receiver Peep Sight Springfield 1903A3 Aluminum

Lightweight aluminum Williams 5D Receiver Sights are designed for rugged use and feature positive windage and elevation locks. Please note that your...

www.midwayusa.com

Some 1903 receiver sight bases won't fit a 1903a3 without grinding off part of the base.

View attachment 2317700

Bruce

Thanks Bruce, I'll see if I can find a scope mount like the one you posted. Not really interested in drilling more holes in the old gal, lol.

The top wrist of stock butt has a wood filler patch where it looks like a marbles type rear sight used to be.