1903-a3 Springfield

**kpw** · November 7th, 2013, 06:14 AM

Finding one in original condition can be tough and expensive. Most '03s went through at least 1 rearsenal, needed or not. It kept the ordinance depots going after the war. They were very inexpensive back in the 50's and 60's so refinishing them or sporterizing them was no big deal. You have a very nice rifle. Congrats!

**bob308** · November 7th, 2013, 08:37 AM

you have a nice 03a3. it was through the arsenal . they all were. then they were canned. which means they were oiled and pit in a large drum. then it was sealed just like a can of beans.

around here that rifle would start at $600 and go up.

***Klutch*** · November 18th, 2013, 05:27 PM

OK so I finally got it to the range. WOW! I love this rifle. It kicks like a mule and pinched my boobie skin between the table but I couldn't shoot it enough. Iron sights at 100 and 200 is no problem, at 100 I put one touching the bullseye at 12o'clock.
I also have been using Balistol on the wood, this is the third time now and the crap is coming off and the finish is coming through. I may even consider it my deer gun.
I sighted in my Marlin 30-30 with the new peep sight 3" high at 100 so my point of impact should be 150, I won't shoot any further than that and I may adjust it down to 100.
The range officers are like Nazi's down here but we still had a good time.

**kpw** · November 18th, 2013, 08:27 PM

Awesome! That steel buttplate take a toll after a bit. I can do 50-60 rounds at a pop but I gotta use a ----- pad!

**robert slabaugh** · November 18th, 2013, 11:38 PM

Klutch, use that soft tipped Hornady round, good out to 200 yards, at least.

**Hawk** · November 19th, 2013, 02:49 PM

Now if you really want to have some fun with the M1903A3 and not be hassled with recoil, use a "bunny" load (reduced load). I've run the following loads on both my M1903A3 and M1917 with no loss in accuracy out to 200 yards. It makes your 30.06 feel like a .22 with regards to recoil.

-150gn FMJ bullet (I used standard Hornady bullets)
-Standard 30.06 primed brass case (I used Greek surplus once fired)
-20-21 grains of IMR SR4759 ( a bulky pistol/shotgun powder)

You don't need to make up the space in the case when throwing the 20 grains.

For other formula's check out cast bullet forums.

Please use these loads at you own discretion!