'03 Springfield Question

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el buzz	'03 Springfield Question	Lead	[-]
Posts: 19 (03/31/09 10:00 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Tags : None Just acquired an '03 Springfield; according to the serial # and markings, '42 receiver & '44 barrel (flaming bomb stamp). Didn't exactly steal it but it was not an unfair price. I hope. I admit to knowing only a little about this great old weapon, but saw this 'un and just couldn't resist. It won't be my last. The stock has been refinished. No cartouches or markings remain. Note the two (stabilization-?) rods--they are different from others I've seen which have slotted nuts flush with the stock surface. These simply look like solid brass rods that have been filed flush. I've seen another two or three examples on the 'net. Anyway, does anyone know the significance of the rod vs the threaded versions-? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, all. -----Buzzy.
Rick the Librarian		#1	[-]
Posts: 4668 (04/01/09 08:15 AM) Host Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Glad to help. Virtually all previous M1903s had what are called stock "bolts" (they have an "official" name, but it escapes me at the moment) which were introduced relatively early in M1903 production to combat the splitting of stocks. In late 1942, it was decided to introduce stock "pins" as a way to say on materials and labor (one of many attempts to introduce shortcuts in production). They were much simpler to make and install. These were used in late Remington M1903s and early M1903A3s. In peeking at one of your pictures, your receiver appears to be a 3,300,000 range Remington M1903, and the "pinned" stock would be correct for your rifle. However, it was discovered that these pins did a poorer job of protecting the stock against cracks and breaks, especially when rifle grenades were fired. About mid-1943, it was decided that stock bolts were more effective and they were introduced back in production for the later M1903A3s. One request: Could you post a [icture of the top of the rear receiver "bridge"? I might have a useful comment about it for you. Hope this helps! RtL
Parashooter		#2	[-]
Posts: 1648 (04/01/09 10:42 AM) Veteran member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Those "pins" are actually screws -
el buzz		#3	[-]
Posts: 20 (04/01/09 12:41 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Hey--thanks for this excellent information. So--my rifle's stock was "pinned"--interesting. Glad to learn that the stock & receiver are likely original mates. Do you guys have a favorite book / manual covering the '03 and its variants-? Thanks again, Buzzy
Rick the Librarian		#4	[-]
Posts: 4669 (04/01/09 03:01 PM) Host Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Unfortunately, there is not a single book that really does the job. The closest is Bruce Canfield's "An Illustrated Guide to the '03 Springfield Service Rifle". Thanks for the picture and clarification, Parashooter.
el buzz		#5	[-]
Posts: 21 (04/01/09 10:56 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Rick, a plan view of the receiver as suggested. I 'preciate your input. Thanx-Buzz
Rick the Librarian		#6	[-]
Posts: 4671 (04/02/09 09:23 AM) Host Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Thanks for the picture. The "slots" on the rear receiver bridge indicate your receiver was originally designed to be a M1903A3, not a M1903. The rear receiver bridge was modified to accept the ramp-type M1903A3 rear sight. However, there were difficulties with the sight and it was decided to complete the receivers as M1903s, rather than have them "lie around" waiting for the M1903A3 rear sight to be perfected. These "slots" are found on all Remington M1903s from about 3,290,000 until the end of production. A not particularly rare, but interesting little feature IMHO.