Several years ago, I inherited an old 03-A3 stripped receiver. The serial number is from 1942.
I finally decided to do something about it, so I gradually rebuilt it, using all authentic USGI parts, from approx. the same period. I refinished nothing, simply searched and found parts with a lot of the original finish left on them. I realize that this will have limited or zero collector interest, but that is not why I did it. I really just wanted a shooter that would look and function like an as issued rifle. (I have another '42 03-A3 that IS all original and just don't have the heart to shoot it much.)
Anyway, last week I finally finished it. The only item that is not authentic at this point is the handguard, which is new (walnut) but stained to exactly match the original scant stock. I need to find an original in good condition, but this will do for now.
After having a gunsmith carefully check for head space and funtion, I finally fired it this past weekend. What a hoot! I enjoyed it more than almost any other shooting I have done for years. Even though I have other mil-surps, I guess I enjoyed this so much because I actually put this together myself.
The rifle was very accurate, holding about a 2 1/2" group at 100 yards (iron sights, remember). I also messed around a lot with the original leather sling, firing from prone, kneeling, etc. Boy has it been a long time since I've done that!!!!! Needed some help from some other old farts to even remember how!
So even though my shoulder is sore, with some black and blue marks (steel buttplates are fun!), I really enjoyed this project.
Next up, I have ordered a stripped Garand receiver from CMP! THIS will be more complicated, I think, but I am looking forward to it. On this one, I think I will go the opposite direction, and refinish EVERYTHING, to make it look brand spanking new.
Have any of the rest of you resurrected old basket cases?????
I finally decided to do something about it, so I gradually rebuilt it, using all authentic USGI parts, from approx. the same period. I refinished nothing, simply searched and found parts with a lot of the original finish left on them. I realize that this will have limited or zero collector interest, but that is not why I did it. I really just wanted a shooter that would look and function like an as issued rifle. (I have another '42 03-A3 that IS all original and just don't have the heart to shoot it much.)
Anyway, last week I finally finished it. The only item that is not authentic at this point is the handguard, which is new (walnut) but stained to exactly match the original scant stock. I need to find an original in good condition, but this will do for now.
After having a gunsmith carefully check for head space and funtion, I finally fired it this past weekend. What a hoot! I enjoyed it more than almost any other shooting I have done for years. Even though I have other mil-surps, I guess I enjoyed this so much because I actually put this together myself.
The rifle was very accurate, holding about a 2 1/2" group at 100 yards (iron sights, remember). I also messed around a lot with the original leather sling, firing from prone, kneeling, etc. Boy has it been a long time since I've done that!!!!! Needed some help from some other old farts to even remember how!
So even though my shoulder is sore, with some black and blue marks (steel buttplates are fun!), I really enjoyed this project.
Next up, I have ordered a stripped Garand receiver from CMP! THIS will be more complicated, I think, but I am looking forward to it. On this one, I think I will go the opposite direction, and refinish EVERYTHING, to make it look brand spanking new.
Have any of the rest of you resurrected old basket cases?????
