Need Advice, RIA 1903

[TGR.Shadow]

I have been looking at this site for a long time now a never felt the need to register because I did not have a bolt gun. This site has to much good info on it and I have already learned alot. I am now registering to get help on my first bolt gun. Got this as a gift from my grandfather over the weekend. From what I know it is a Rock Island Arsenal 1903 chambered .30-06. SN 390XXX. This is how it was given to me and it is a shame to see a piece of history butchered up like this but since somebody has already taken the leap I dont want to let it go to waste. I would like to get it to the point were I can use it to get into this side of the sport. Simple glass (I have a APT Tactical I picked up a while back for my AR and never got around to mounting), a good base, and decent rings if possible. This will be my learning platform for modifications, working up loads, trigger time ect until funds allow an upgrade. Right now I would like to know how you guys would go about getting glass on this rig/ turning it into a shooter. Im not sure if the holes were drilled/tapped for a specific mount but I know they are not original. I have been having a hard time finding aftermarket bases for this (go figure) and am wondering what my next step should be. I am also going to a local smith this week to let him have look and get his opinion. I believe I should have him check the headspace also as I am unsure how long it has been since there have been rounds down the tube. Here are some pics and any suggestions you may have are welcome. Almost every post I read on this site has something to be learned in it.

Thanks

 

[zeme05]

Re: Need Advice, RIA 1903

Nice old Springfield. Get a quality (Leupold ) fixed 6-10X scope on it and start shooting it. I am sure it has some great sentiments to go along with it.

 

[fdkay]

Re: Need Advice, RIA 1903

How many holes in the rear part of the receiver?

I'm guessing two.
I have a two piece base on my 1908 mauser, it has been there so long i can't remember who made it.

EGW makes a one pice rail for the mauser action, i would give them a call and see if you can use it. I am fairly certain the jigs were similar, if not the same.

 

[TGR.Shadow]

Re: Need Advice, RIA 1903

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fdkay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How many holes in the rear part of the receiver?

I'm guessing two.
I have a two piece base on my 1908 mauser, it has been there so long i can't remember who made it.

EGW makes a one pice rail for the mauser action, i would give them a call and see if you can use it. I am fairly certain the jigs were similar, if not the same.
</div></div>

Thanks for responding to this guys!

There is only one hole in the rear. Here is a few pics of it.

I think my best bet is to have a smith just drill it for the mount that I pick and hope the three holes line up or dont interfere with the new ones. Went to a shop today and asked what I could do to figure out if it is safe to fire. They said have a smith make a mold of the chamber and then take measurements? I think I will just put on a welding mask an test a few rounds. Any thoughts?

 

[TGR.Shadow]

Re: Need Advice, RIA 1903

Looks like a few good options. Im going to call and see what the spacing is on the holes for the drilled one, Maybe it will line up. The other one I could just have him drill to match the holes that are already drilled. That is all if the mauser action is close enough to the springfield.

http://www.egwguns.com/mauser/military-mauser-98-large-ring-3-hole-picatinny-rail-scope-mount/

 

[Frank Green]

Re: Need Advice, RIA 1903

Don't know off hand abuot the EGW but most likely the receiver has been drilled and tapped for a Redfield scope base. They make one for the '03 and '03A3 springfields. The '03 base uses 3 holes. Two in the front and one in the rear and the base is machined for the '03 receiver like I said.

It's a high s/n RIA receiver so it's a good receiver. Has a aftermarket safety. What trigger is in it? If stock you can get a Timney adjustable trigger for it.

Later, Frank
Bartlein Barrels