two quick question about springfields

[hillbilly]

just a couple questions, i've still got that springfield 1903 and was wondering does anyone make a aftermarket sporter stock for it and what do y'all think a good caliber to have it rebarreled in? my thoughts have been a 411,or 375 hawk,in a simple "scout" config. I.E. short light forward mounted scope basically something light and handy for smacking black bears around with. i generally use a 338 win for all of my big game hunting but i just can't resist trying something new. :lol:

[gunnut69]

I'm sure most companies make aftermarket stocks for it.  You maight also consider a custom wood stock.. or perhaps a laminate...  In any case brownells is a good reference as to whats available and are a good resource for hard to find components.  For wood stocks you might contact Wenigs Custom Stocks in Lincoln Missouri.  They have the craftsmen and tooling from the Fajen and Bishop stock works, or at least what's left.  They are great folks and will sell you a stock in almost any configuration and level of finish you wish.  I've dealt with Fred and the laies in the front office and they are truly wonderfull.  The 411 and 375 scovil rounds can be a pain in behind to load for.  There's not much in the way of a shoulder left after either of them is formed.  this makes headspacing and case formiong tedious.  The easiest and one of the best wildcats of the 30-06 is the 35 Whelen.  Good bullets are now available and this very efficient round is a real thumper with the added benefit of being fairly easy to form cases.  The 338-06 is another good wildcat but it suffers from bullet problems.  The bullets in this caliber (most anyway) are designed for 338 WinMag velocities and are a bit hard for the velocities that are attained in the 338-06.  This comewhat limits one to the lighter weights..  Big bores seem to work best with heavier bullets and moderate velocities.  I usually reccomennd the 35 W. for those with a hankerin' for a bit more thump than a '06 but not really having a need for a magnum..  The best advantage of all is the ease with which one can make a springfield feed the new round.

[locksley]

That 03 could be worth up to 1,000.00 as a military rifle to collectors do you really want to sportirize it?

[hillbilly]

i've tried to sell it but they just aren't popular up here and the hassel of trying  to ship it into the states seem to be prohibitive