Author Topic: M1903 rear sight base (Read 371 times)

Nobade · « **on:** November 23, 2004, 08:48:34 AM »

Anybody here know if the rear sight base on these barrels is removable? How is it attached? I don't see any pins, wonder if it is soldered on? Thanks!

gunnut69 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 24, 2004, 03:21:52 AM »

I assume your speaking of the Springfield M1903. The rear sight sleeve is affixed to the barrel with a pin located at the top front of the band. It is removed in a left to right direction as seem from the rear. There is also a 'spline' pin which mates with a notch in the barrel and a groove in the rear of the sight sleeve. Its purpose is to prevent rotation of the sight sleeve. The sleeves I've removed have been a real pain. They didn't seem soldered on but there was a material in between the the sleeve and the barrel.. I advise they not be removed unless absolutley necessary and extreme care be used in driving them off(after heating of course) as the base is fairly easy to damage..

Nobade · « **Reply #2 on:** November 24, 2004, 03:55:11 AM »

Thanks! After doing some research, I have determined this is a low numbered receiver made in 1917. As such, I don't think rebarreling it is a good idea and I'm going to leave it alone. That saves having to deal with the sight base! I'll just re-parkerize everything and put it in a Boyd's stock to make a nice looking thing to look at. It belongs to my Dad who can't see to shoot any longer anyhow, but would like to have his old rifle back. Sounds like I've got some work to do to have it ready by Christmas.

Nobade · « **Reply #3 on:** November 25, 2004, 05:18:33 AM »

Hmmm, looks like I'll have to do some research. It was rebarreled in 1919, and sure looks like it's parkerized. I wonder if that was done during an arsenal rework? Thanks for the heads up!

gunnut69 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 25, 2004, 05:28:37 AM »

It probably was parkerized. The Army rebuilt many of these older rifles at the beginning of WWII. Worn parts were replaced and they were parkerized. Still the rifle is a nice historical piece although most advise against shooting due to the low number receiver. I would simply clean and do a tiny bit of restoration and leave the old girl be. They are great old pieces and deserve a little respect as do the men who used them. If the military stock is has be removed or sut down they can be picked up at gunshows and online at places like EBay or GunBroker and the rifle returned to a military format. Don't reblue and just touch up the parkerizing if there are bare places. Use OxphoBlue and don't buff it after application. The oxide formed will stay dull and will match pretty well. When complete protect with a nice coat of wax..