Springfield 1903 Sporter - new to me

[swiftone]

I picked ths up in a trade.

Anyway, I have never handled a 1903 and have some questions.

Specs and observations. The barrel measures 24 inches from bolt face to muzzle. It is chambered in 30.06. A close inspection of the barrel shows no markings of any kind. Same with the receiver. Serial number puts it as a 1924.

Few questions:

From my pictures does the barrel look like an original profile? Is this a original front sight? There is what looks like a sleeve on the barrel next to the front of the receiver. Could that be covering the rear 1903 sight mount? Bottom picture shows what appears to be a pin holding it in place.
Is the bottom metal original?

And lastly (knowing the receiver has been drilled for a Lyman sight) is this a candidate to rebuild back into as – issued? I understand it would not be inexpensive, but considering I really have nothing invested it might be worth the effort.

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[pacrat]

Nice 50s-60s era Sporter. As to your questions.


Yes-Yes-Yes-NO

JM2c

[SVT-40]

Keep it as is and shoot it. Not worth the time, trouble and $$$ to try and make it original.

The holes drilled kill it.

[dfletcher]

I'm not sure what to make of that section just in front of the receiver.

I think I would try an economical way of turning it into an A3 type but leave the rear sight as is, or scrounge a Lyman 48. I think it could be set up closer to looking good as military than sporter. With patience and some gun show finds for parts. Check Numrich.

As a fellow collector FFL I approve of your interpretation of "original configuration"

[highpower]

The section in front of the receiver is the remains of the original rear sight base turned down and flipped upside-down. Original barrels are 24" so nothing funny has been done with the barrel besides the obvious. The rear sight looks like a Williams and since it is already there, I would leave it alone and use it as-is.

The front sight and base are original, which is good because usually aftermarket rear peep sights for '03 Springfields are regulated to work with original height front sights.

The really good news is that you have a nice high number double heat treated receiver which, back in the day, were considered to be smoother actions than the later nickel steel receivers (although I have never been able to tell the difference).