1903A3 is this one worth fixing ?

[hylander]

This belongs to a freind of mine and I was thinking of buying it for $200.00
It was already Bubba'ed when he got it.
Is it worth fixing ?
The bolt handle weld job is cracked and would need repaired or the bolt replaced. I would get a Correct stock for it and rear sight.
What would it take money wise and is it worth it.
Can I get a replacement bolt handle ?
Or should I look for one that is in original condition, if so what should I expect to pay for one.

[hylander]

[anothergunnut]

It looks great for a $200 sporterized rifle. As a candidate for restoration, I don't think so. You can't undrill holes in the receiver. I am not sure of going rates for A3s but I think they go in the $500 to $700 range for typical rebuilt rifles such as what the CMP use to sell.

[NRAhighpowershooter]

I'd just fix the bolt and leave the rifle alone as a sporterized rifle....

[CSACANNONEER]

I'd buy it to use as a back-up deer rifle! Instead of trying to restore it, just buy an original as well.

[BaronW]

I think the fact that it's been drilled and tapped destroys any hope of restoring it.

[smle-man]

Ditto. You can buy one for $600, it will cost you $200 for the wood, another $125 easy for the metal bits and you still will have the drilled and polished metal which destroys all collectability.

[hylander]

Well sounds like restoring is out of the question.
So;
What about the bad bolt handle ?
There is guy on Gunbroker selling new bolt handles, will they work on this rifle.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=83405504

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=83406376

[metalhead357]

yep...too much to restore for too little return. If you do it- keep it sporterized. And IRRC Numrich had (had...dont know if still do) NIB parked complete bolts for something like $30 a while back. But for $200 would make an AWSOME candidate for a sporter back up rifle in the field.


HEck. Where's he at? I might buy the dang thing if you dont!

Edit... I see you're in Lincoln...lettme know I've got a bud near there that could pick her up if you dont want her!!!! But the Bolt I was/am referring to is a COMPLETE, not just a body.

[hylander]

Edit... I see you're in Lincoln...lettme know I've got a bud near there that could pick her up if you dont want her!!!! But the Bolt I was/am referring to is a COMPLETE, not just a body.

If I don't take it I'll let you know.
There is also these bolts, will they work

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=83402726

Also the rifling looks pretty worn at the muzzle.
Are there new barrel's available somewhere ?

[RudyN]

I have a 1917 Eddystone Enfield .30-06 that was given to me and it had almost the exact things done to it as yours has. I was hoping to restore it, but the rear sight ears were ground down and cannot be redone. I will just find a weaver sight base and mount one of my scopes on it for a hunting rifle. Your best deal would be to get a new bolt and use it as is.

[NeoWeird]

Just an FYI, NEW bolt bodies, as in those in storage that have never been used but are correct 1903 bolt bodies, can be had for $12 from a couple RETAILERS. Paying $16 on gunbroker and having to wait is for chumps.

As for what has been said, it's true that it's not worth restoring to like new condition...

...now if you want to bead blast it, replace the barrel, get everything re-pakerized, Boyds replacement C type stock, beaded action, extra heavy barrel under the wood, etc. and then you could top it off with a scope and have a 'repro' WWII sniper style rifle and not have to worry about destroying a complete rifle.

Personally I LOVE these types of projects. You don't have to beat yourself up about destroying the rifle because it's already destroyed as US American piece. You could make a fairly accurate rifle, get all the looks at the range, and save the rifle - again without altering an already complete rifle.

If you pass it up, let me know how to contact him, I've always wanted to do a project like this but never found a deal worth jumping on.

[metalhead357]

If I don't take it I'll let you know.
There is also these bolts, will they work

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=83402726

Also the rifling looks pretty worn at the muzzle.
Are there new barrel's available somewhere ?

true ones can be found on the auctions....sometimes on some vendor sites. Aftermarkets nearly everywhere from Midway to Brownells and Numrich......but installing one will be a bit of a pain unless you buy from a FFL directly or know someone who can install it.

[anothergunnut]

If it's just the muzzle, but the throat erosion is still within spec, you can cut back and recrown the barrel.

[deguello]

I'd run away. That hole in the top of the receiver would be a deal breaker for me right off the bat. It's a shame.