I was just standing there minding my own business, when this pretty little rifle came up to me, begging for a new place to live. What could I do, it was out there all alone, in the cold, it looked so sad...
The "IT" in question is a sporterized Remington arms U.S. rifle model of 1903, basically a chopped and channelled version of the classic '03 Springfield.
I can't read all of the markings, because of the scope mounting, so I can't tell which precise '03 model it is, or the manufacture date; but the Remington arms markings are clearly visible. The barrel is a properly cut and crowned (just in front of the RA markings actually) 22", for a handy seven or so pound weight. Even better, the trigger has been well worked over, breaking at a perfectly crisp and consistent 3lb 2oz.
The sporterizing job looks to be from the late 50's or early '60s; assuming the hardware is original to the work, though the stock may be newer. It's got some fairly distinctive sling swivels, and had a late 50's vinatage 4x fixed scope on it which seemed to be orginal (the scope in the pics is another of mine put there just for testing purposes); though the scope bases have been repleaced with mediocre quality pieces. From the tapped locations I'd say it was originally a bridged base; and I think I'll put one back on there (oh and I'm thinking one of the new Burris FullField IIs on there. Maybe the 3-9x50...)
Actually, what really attracted me to the rifle was the wood; and let me tell you the pics don't do it justice at all. The wood on this rifle is drop dead gorgeous, as you can somewhat see in these detail photos of the forend and grip cap.
The stock looks almost like a Fajen that was popular in the '80s, but I've seen stocks almost exactly like it coming out of Europe from the '50s through the '70s; and from Bishop starting in the mid 70s. The figuring, contrast and warmth of the grain are very much not apparent from the photos, the wood is far prettier in person .
The extended swept pistol grip is elegant and comfortable, the dropped euro style comb with the pronounced monte carlo cheekrast mounts up very quickly, and very comfortably welds to my cheek. The action is EXTREMELY well bedded, and very solidly mounted in the wood. All in all, I'd say some excellent custom work went into the rifle; though the metal finish itself is so-so. It's been rust blued, and the finish on the barrel is decent (though has some wear), but the reciever has a bit of color mis match in the rust bluing. Also there are still machining marks visible, so this was clearly a functional sporter, not some high dollar luxo-conversion.
Oh and the best part? $250 out the door.
Well, range trip next week hopefully, followed by a range report. Oh and I've got some other range reports to post as well, watch this space.
Now I own an AR, an M14, an '03 (albeit a sporter), a couple of 1911's, and an HK USP. I guess I jsut need an M1 garand, a Beretta M92 and a couple of military revolvers, and I'll complete the set.
