Why not more 1903A3 Actions for PR builds?

[kraigWY]

I'm putting this here instead of the Vintage Sniper Forum because I'm talking about the action per se and not the rifle.

I can't understand why there arn't more 1903a3 actions used in PR builds.

It certainly isn't because they are as accurate as others, nor because of they're being long actions.

The 1903a3 (and some 1903) actions were and are the preferred action for testing the accuracy of ammunition, by the military and those who produce contract ammo for the military.

They were used in the Mann Accuracy device's w/1903a3 were and still used in the 22 Hornet, 30 carbine, 7.62 Nato and 5.56, (though I have a 5/56 Nato Mann on a Remington action).

The Mann accuracy device is a heavy, untapered, extremely accurate barrel, normally about 18 inches in length. Most have a pistol grip short stock, some are nothing more then the action and barrel.

Some people add them "unmodified" to a stock cut to fit the device, and use them very sucessfully in F Class matches.

I think, that if it is the action of choice for extreme accuracy required in ammo testing, it should work as a PR action.

Having said that, I'd hate to see existing un-modified 1903/1903a3 rifles being butchered for the action, but there are plenty of sportized rifles out there using the action that can be had relatively cheap.

Here is a write up on the Mann Accuracy Devices to give you a better ideal.

http://www.odcmp.org/1001/mann_inc.asp

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Why not more 1903A3 Actions for PR builds?

Quite simply because there are better options.

 

[kraigWY]

Re: Why not more 1903A3 Actions for PR builds?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Quite simply because there are better options. </div></div>

Better or more expensive.

Seems if there is better, it would be used in stead of the 1903a3 action in testing the accuracy of ammo.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Why not more 1903A3 Actions for PR builds?

Testing ammo is not all about accuracy, is usually a single shot affair and does not require the same features that a tactical rifle shooter needs.

I am not trying to take anything away from the 1903. It's a great rifle. I have one in the safe. I like hammers too. I don't use them as screwdrivers.

 

[monteboy84]

Re: Why not more 1903A3 Actions for PR builds?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kraigWY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Better or more expensive.

Seems if there is better, it would be used in stead of the 1903a3 action in testing the accuracy of ammo. </div></div>

In my experience, a 1903 action will cost you as much or more than a 700 action. That's all well and good, but start building on it and you'll be in a whole different league in terms of build cost. Scope rails, DBM's, stocks, etc will all cost you more and be far more limited than with a modern action.

If you really want something like that, build from a Mauser, you'll at least have more options. Then when you're done with it and decide to buy or build something different, you will find out how much money you've lost when you have to mark it down to sell it in a reasonable amount of time.

Don't get me wrong, I have a 1903A3 at home as well, but it will always be in a wood stock with an old scope on top, because that's all that makes sense for it to be.

-matt

 

[Frank Green]

Re: Why not more 1903A3 Actions for PR builds?

The accuracy testing done now a days with the 5.56mm they use Rem. 700 actions. They don't use the '03 for that. Some are still used for other calibers like you stated.

As much as I like the '03's probably the biggest reason I wouldn't use one for a PR gun is lock time. The time it takes for the firing pin to drop is longer than a Rem. 700 and some other guns.

Also the amount of better made actions with tolerances etc...and the amount of accessories for the Rem. 700, Win. 70, BAT, Stillers, Barnards, Savage etc....when it comes to triggers, scope bases, stocks that are inletted etc...way out weigh the '03.

I use my '03's for fun shooting etc....If you go into the vintage sniper rifle forum you can see pics. of my '03 that I rebuilt as a Model 1941 USMC sniper rifle with a Unertl scope on it etc....I modified the cocking/firing pin assy. so it's like the early match rifles with a headless cocking piece. This brings the weight of the firing pin assy. down to the about the same weight as a Rem. 700 long action.

Later, Frank
Bartlein Barrels

 

[Nortex]

Re: Why not more 1903A3 Actions for PR builds?

I have a 22-250 built on a 03A3 action in the 50's one of the most accurate rifles I've ever shot.