Springfield Armory may still make a large number of rifles and handguns, but if you’re a collector and looking for Springfield parts, we’re going to gamble (with no great fear of risk, mind you) that you’re looking for parts for an M1903.
The M1903, venerable though it may be, was first released well over 100 years ago. If you have an original – especially a WWI era model, well, it’s time for some service, if you haven’t already done so. These parts may need to be replaced.
1. Firing pin and springs
Probably one of the first things to fail on an M1903 (or one of the two) would be either the firing pin or firing pin spring.
After years of slamming into primers, a firing pin is prone to deformation or cracking. Some firing pins, like the AK-47’s are basically indestructible, but few others are like that.
An even more likely culprit is the firing pin spring. Years – or a century, even – of loading and unloading can severely fatigue a spring.
If your firing pin is fatigued, you might witness it as a soft “click” when you pull the trigger, which is not followed by a “bang.”
In that case, it might be the firing pin spring that needs to be replaced, and not the pin itself.
2. Extractors
The Springfield 1903’s extractor is actually a pretty tough piece of metal, but if it is missing (a common problem on used guns) or deformed, then you won’t be able to effectively cycle the rifle.
The solution is to replace the extractor, which is a fairly simple and easy process that you can probably complete at home.
3. Sights
We’re not sure why, but for some reason, used guns are sometimes sold without their iron sights. It’s a weird deficiency, but it happens.
The Springfield 1903’s rear sight, being a flip-up, makes it even more likely to get lost or damaged. You’re less likely to experience an issue with the front blade sight unless it is bent or missing entirely, but that could still happen.
4. Barrel bands and sling mounts
The barrel bands help secure the barrel. Without them, your gun will look weird and possibly will suffer accuracy. Then again, some people disagree. An excess of pressure from a barrel band can potentially harm accuracy.
But no one disagrees that an M1903 without barrel bands looks off. If yours are missing, replace them!
Also, the sling mounts are not mission-critical hardware, but the rifle will look naked without them. They’re very easy to replace, and if you don’t replace them, you’ll have nowhere to mount your 1907 sling!
5. Barrels
A 100-year-old gun might have a barrel that’s in good shape, but that’s a tall order. Even a little fouling left in the bore would have caused terrible corrosion by this time.
Even if the previous owners were fastidious about keeping the barrel clean, if they put thousands and thousands of rounds through it, it’s probably “shot out.”
That is, the rifling is all worn down. If you have an accuracy issue, take a bore light to the barrel and see if it needs to be replaced.
6. Stocks
Last but not least are stocks. A century of life is hard on wood, and many wooden stocks are prone to forming dry rot over the long haul.
If you’ve never done it, disassemble your rifle and check under the barrel for dry rot or oil damage. They could both be present, and they can both potentially affect handling and accuracy.
Where Can You Get These Springfield Parts?
Whether you need something mundane as a barrel band or as critical as a firing pin spring, SARCO Inc, online at SarcoInc.com, is your source for Springfield parts.
Visit their website via the link above or get in touch with them at 610-250-3960 for more information.
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