Is there anyone in the OKC area that does quality restoration work on 1903 Springfields?
I haven't really decided exactly what I want to do, but I'm hoping to talk to someone knowledgeable on the subject to help me make that decision. I sent an email to James River Armory, but haven't gotten a response beyond an automated response that they received my message. I've had CMP recommended to me, but it appears they use reproduction stocks. I would prefer to have an original stock on it. I haven't contacted them yet. Maybe they can do it with original wood.
The rifle is a Springfield Armory M1903 ca. 1912 (sn 514904). The rifle was apparently rebuilt approximately 1942-43. The stamping on the barrel behind the front sight is "S A" and "5-42" with the flaming bomb. It has a "scant" stock and swept back bolt handle which all support WWII rebuild. My father "sporterized" the rifle when he returned from WWII. The handguard and hardware, and bayonet are missing. The stock has had about 12" cut from it.
The options I'm currently considering are:
- Full restoration to 1942 rebuild
- Full restoration to 1912 manufacture
- Return to 1942 rebuild without full restoration
- Return to 1912 manufacture without full restoration
If anyone has sage advice for me, I'd love to hear/read it. If there is someone local that does quality work, I would greatly appreciate recommendations!
Just so you know, I am aware of the low serial number issue. This rifle holds significant sentimental value, so I'd like to fix it up even if only as a "wall hanger". Here are a few pics -
https://www.dropbox.com/s/f2du8uqbxfkg17a/2014-02-28 17.14.56.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/mbif4h9m9o6dzow/2014-02-28 17.17.17.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ez1qixstdmdraaf/2014-02-28 17.19.26.jpg
Thank you!
Steve
I haven't really decided exactly what I want to do, but I'm hoping to talk to someone knowledgeable on the subject to help me make that decision. I sent an email to James River Armory, but haven't gotten a response beyond an automated response that they received my message. I've had CMP recommended to me, but it appears they use reproduction stocks. I would prefer to have an original stock on it. I haven't contacted them yet. Maybe they can do it with original wood.
The rifle is a Springfield Armory M1903 ca. 1912 (sn 514904). The rifle was apparently rebuilt approximately 1942-43. The stamping on the barrel behind the front sight is "S A" and "5-42" with the flaming bomb. It has a "scant" stock and swept back bolt handle which all support WWII rebuild. My father "sporterized" the rifle when he returned from WWII. The handguard and hardware, and bayonet are missing. The stock has had about 12" cut from it.
The options I'm currently considering are:
- Full restoration to 1942 rebuild
- Full restoration to 1912 manufacture
- Return to 1942 rebuild without full restoration
- Return to 1912 manufacture without full restoration
If anyone has sage advice for me, I'd love to hear/read it. If there is someone local that does quality work, I would greatly appreciate recommendations!
Just so you know, I am aware of the low serial number issue. This rifle holds significant sentimental value, so I'd like to fix it up even if only as a "wall hanger". Here are a few pics -
https://www.dropbox.com/s/f2du8uqbxfkg17a/2014-02-28 17.14.56.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/mbif4h9m9o6dzow/2014-02-28 17.17.17.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ez1qixstdmdraaf/2014-02-28 17.19.26.jpg
Thank you!
Steve