M1903A1 sniper clune, redux

I finally finished a long standing project: a M1903A1 USMC sniper clone. I built the gun using a never-issued original Type-C stock, 1.3M serial number action, original National Match rear sight, and a new Criterion barrel.

When I installed the barrel, I got the headspace set at bare minimum- cases don't stretch one iota. I then re-throated it with a 1 1/2 degree included angle leade specifically for cast bullet shooting. 500+ rounds through it and not one jacketed bullet, yet. Accuracy with a couple pet loads hovers in the MOA territory. (NOE 169 Elco/24 grains SR-4759/RWS primer, or, Old NEI 180 RN/18 grains 4759/CCI LR primer- all with LC Match brass. Bullets of COWW alloy+tin, bhn 12, sized .309 to perfectly fit the throat. Sizing and seating done with L.E.Wilson straight line dies.

The scope fell into my lap recently- not an original USMC. It is the same model Unertl 8x 1 1/4" though, just without the black mounts. An afternoon spent playing with the Bridgeport and there she was. I'm hoping to shrink group size a bit, but am mainly looking forward to not squinting through that tiny peep any more!

https://i.imgur.com/1Ha7tmjl.jpg

Very very nice! Love seeing repo, restorations and anything from a slower more sane yesterday!

That is one fine looking rig. I don,t have a 03 but I love my 03a3. It gets only cast too.

Very cool, wish mine looked and shot like that.

That is really nice. I want one. Any plans to take it to shoot vintage sniper?

A labor of love. Very nice.

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Originally Posted by 45-70bpcr

That is really nice. I want one. Any plans to take it to shoot vintage sniper?

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No, my arthritic back won't allow for position shooting anymore.

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Originally Posted by gnoahhh

No, my arthritic back won't allow for position shooting anymore.

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Sorry to hear that. Arthritis is cruel. You can still enjoy it off the bench!

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Originally Posted by gnoahhh

I finally finished a long standing project: a M1903A1 USMC sniper clone. I built the gun using a never-issued original Type-C stock, 1.3M serial number action, original National Match rear sight, and a new Criterion barrel.

When I installed the barrel, I got the headspace set at bare minimum- cases don't stretch one iota. I then re-throated it with a 1 1/2 degree included angle leade specifically for cast bullet shooting. 500+ rounds through it and not one jacketed bullet, yet. Accuracy with a couple pet loads hovers in the MOA territory. (NOE 169 Elco/24 grains SR-4759/RWS primer, or, Old NEI 180 RN/18 grains 4759/CCI LR primer- all with LC Match brass. Bullets of COWW alloy+tin, bhn 12, sized .309 to perfectly fit the throat. Sizing and seating done with L.E.Wilson straight line dies.

The scope fell into my lap recently- not an original USMC. It is the same model Unertl 8x 1 1/4" though, just without the black mounts. An afternoon spent playing with the Bridgeport and there she was. I'm hoping to shrink group size a bit, but am mainly looking forward to not squinting through that tiny peep any more!

https://i.imgur.com/1Ha7tmjl.jpg

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On a whim I dropped the powder charge from 24 to 15 grains SR-4759, NOE 308-169 Elco. I think I'm on to something...

https://i.imgur.com/5IubF3hl.jpg

I saw that same rifle and group on FB

Nice rifle, gnoahhh, great group! I've been having success with an older 03 sporter I bought a few weeks ago at a gunshow. It's an early double heat treat Springfield in the 900,000 range with a 1942 replacement barrel by Remington, a four groove. Came with Tasco World Class 3-9 scope in Bueler mounts. Shooting Lee 312 gas Checked 186 gr powder coated with 18 gr 2400. Three shots in a half inch at 100 yds! I was astonished when I walked out to the target!

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Originally Posted by 45-70bpcr

Sorry to hear that. Arthritis is cruel. You can still enjoy it off the bench!

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Off the bench and off-hand for me. Arthritis and a total knee arthroplasty did it for me. I can't get into a sitting or kneeling position any more.
Prone shooting for a short time only if I have someone to help me up.

SHiloh