Building a rifle off of a high number M1903 action/receiver

[ChrisBCS]

If you could find an M1903 action, can you think of a reason not to build a rifle out of it?

I'm not talking about sporterizing an existing rifle, I'm talking about a complete build off a miscellaneous action.

Does it have a standard placement of action screws for modern stock use? Would it be able to work around the integral receiver lug and accept modern recoil lugs and something like a Krieger barrel?

Just insanity mixed with curiosity.

 

[fdkay]

A "modern" recoil lug is nothing but a cheap manufacturing shortcut.
An integral lug is far superior.
The winchester model 70 is nothing but a modified mauser, as is the 1903.
A good stock might be a challenge, but I'm sure McMillan would make one for you.

 

[RTH1800]

Any Springfield is going to have some issues. Two piece firing pin. Poor gas handling if you rupture a case, high bolt turn up. I think the day of the Springfield has passed.

 

[Red_SC]

I'm probably about to rip this one apart to be an action donor. Hate to tear the old girl up, but it's here and...

It's currently a .308 Norma Mag, I'll be rebarreling it with a Broughton in the same caliber. There's still a chance I may put it up for sale and buy something different though.

 

[kraigWY]

The 1903 action is an excellent candidate for building a rifle. It's a strong, accurate action.

The 1903 is the action the Army used to build Mann Devices. The Mann device is a barreled action the military uses to test ammo. It was use, on the '06, 7.62, 30 cal carbine, 22 hornet, and 45 ACP just to name a few.

Here is one in 45 ACP

A friend of mine built this rest for a '03 Mann he got from the CMP

I wouldn't turn down a 1903 action. Except I would round up the parts and put it back to original condition. If it was drilled and tapped, I'd make a 'A4 out of it. But that's just me.

 

[Red_SC]

That's an unusual rifle for sure.

 

[mallrat]

Was thinking about getting a 1903 action and having a 20" 45acp barrel that I got cheap threaded for it. Too many irons in the fire right now to add another one, though.