Author Topic: Springfield 03-A3  (Read 420 times)

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Offline ScoutMan

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Springfield 03-A3
« on: August 16, 2006, 10:00:03 AM »
I picked up an 03-A3 that had been "sporterized?". Both front and rear sights had been removed and the barrel had been shortened.

No problem with the sights, I just ordered them from Numeric Arms. I should be able to tap both of them back on the rifle-right?

The problem is this. I have "old geezer" eyes but I want to shoot this rifle. The rear sight aperture opening is .50. No problem, I can open it up to about .150 by drilling out the aperture.

The front sight is the problem. It only measrures .50 in width. For these "old geezer" eyes, I need a width of about .125. The barrel has also been drilled and tapped for front sights, but I would like to stay as close to the original as possible.

Ideas welcomed.


SM
If you can get closer, get closer
If you can get steadier, get steadier.

A telescope helps you see; it does not help you hold and squeeze.-Jeff Cooper

Offline gunnut69

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Re: Springfield 03-A3
« Reply #1 on: August 16, 2006, 10:55:16 AM »
The original front sight fit into a ramp that was attached via a band to a step on the front of the barrel. If the barrel was shortened and there are holes the original front will not fit. Likely what you need is a ramp and a ramp mounted sight blade. Both are available from Brownells in various hights and configurations..including beads, sourdoughs and flat topped fronts.. and in various widths. A catalog from Brownells is nearly a mandatory acessary for a DIY gunsmith/serious shooter. They also have a very good customer service line with knowledgable techs who can help get the right parts once you decide the style you want. Their online catalog is extensive and a call to the techline will help get the right heights ordered. Their tech number is (also the order number) 800-741-0015.
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Offline S.B.

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Re: Springfield 03-A3
« Reply #2 on: August 27, 2006, 03:46:52 AM »
For the 1903, not the 1903A3, they used the seldom seen and expensive,  Marine Corp. sights, larger apenture and wider front sight. Might want to check on Culver Shooters forum and ask if the Marine Corp sights were ever made for the A3s?

http://www.jouster.com/cgi-bin/03/03config.pl?
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Offline gunnut69

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Re: Springfield 03-A3
« Reply #3 on: August 30, 2006, 08:13:27 AM »
Until the advent of the A# variant the 1903 used open type notch rear sights. The A3 variant introduced the peep style sight.. The front sight may work out though.
gunnut69--
The 2nd amendment to the constitution of the United States of America-
"A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."