Posted on 03/12/2020 10:09:45 AM PDT by w1n1
FINALLY, a post that is not about the “virus”. Thanks
Why was it rebarreled and why the 308?
Used to be a tack driver but alas it is starting to wonder around.
Some of the originals have two groove rifling. For the newbie it looks like the bore is shot out. You have to have a barrel gauge to check amount of wear, or stick a live round bullet first in the discharge end of the barrel. It it stops before the case touched the muzzle you’re probably good. If the bullet goes in until the case hits the muzzle then it’s shot out.
Why rebarreled? Presumably it was because it was a “deactivated war trophy” which usually means the barrel is welded closed.
Why .308? Ammunition costs and availability, especially military surplus 7.62 NATO, makes it more economical to shoot than the original .30-06 chambering.
It’s the “AM Shitting Urinal” virus.
No thanks...I’ll leave mine a 30 06.
I had a 1917 Enfield which had a rusted and/or shot out barrel. I had a gunsmith in Pensacola rebarrel it in the same caliber.
When I went to pick it up, the smith apologized saying it was not very accurate tho the headspace etc. was perfect.
When I got it home, it consistently shot very small groups.I have no idea what the gunsmith was shooting.
Gotta agree, and if it’s shot out and needs rebarreling...keep it in 30-06. The long bolt throw may cause feeding issues with a shorter cartridge.
Exactly, Rechamber.
I bought an 03A3 for $125 in something like 1980. It had been appraised at $1400. If you want a .308, buy a new one. Don't destroy an important artifact.
The article mentioned “deactivated war trophy.” I guess the government screwed up the barrel before selling it on the civilian market or it had been shot out. In the Washington High School cadets, we marched with 1903 Springfields that had the firing pins removed. In army basic, I was issued a M1 Garand that had been shot out. The bore was like a mirror; no trace of rifling. It had some other problems, but at least fired.
I had my 4/43 03A3 rebarreled with a original GI new barrel
dated 9/43 I bought on Gunbroker. Hope that didn’t ruin its collectibility.
Nah, the new one was GI of the same vintage. Besides, I won’t let anybody have mine, so is collector’s value is not an issue. I will have trouble fitting everything into my mausoleum.
As a CMP Drill Rifle, It was demilled- the chamber welded, barrel tac welded to the receiver, the mag cut off welded, the bolt face welded and the FP cut off- IOW , a nonfiring rifle.
I did not read the whole article, but it actually restoring a demilled CMP drill rifle is a bit more detailed than a simple rebarrel. New bolt at minimum, after carefully milling away the mag cut-off/bolt stop and re drilling/tapping for a new set of parts, and that’s just to be able to pull the old welded bolt....
Not sure why going to a 308, but hey, its his rifle.
Have you tried to really clean the bore to remove all copper fouling? Also, might want to check the stock bedding.
The first rifle larger than a .22 I ever shot was a M1903. I don’t remember the revision. I do remember that at about 12 or 13 it kicked like a mule.
I can’t figure out what rifles want, much less women. Some mysteries are never to be solved, just enjoyed.
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