Replacing Barrel

MgMn48 · 02-10-2008, 05:10 PM

How hard would it be to put a new barrel on a sprigfield 1903A3? What is involved. Take into account I am not a gunsmith. How much would a gunsmith charge? (rough estimation)

nathangdad · 02-10-2008, 06:19 PM

This is a job for a professional as it involves headspacing,
lots of torque, and a learned hand. Please find a gunsmith
with whom you are comfortable and let the job be done
to assure a high quality outcome. Whatever you pay it
is cheaper in the long run. Those of us without the
equipment, gauges, and expertise simply should not
get into barrel changing.

M14man · 02-10-2008, 08:48 PM

It should be done by a competent gunsmith. The barrel will cost you $75 to $120, and a gunsmith would charge about $100.Alot depends on your success in finding an appropriate or new bbl, and a smith that is reasonable.

MgMn48 · 02-11-2008, 12:10 AM

Thanks for the advice.

Dookiebutt · 02-12-2008, 05:57 AM

Why do you think you need a new barrel?

MgMn48 · 02-12-2008, 09:36 AM

Because there is a metal rod welded inside of it.

sunray · 02-17-2008, 10:01 PM

"...there is a metal rod welded inside..." Is there a spot weld where the barrel goes into the receiver too? If so, it was DP'd(Drill Purpose). Rifles were DP'd for a reason. Usually due to excessive wear or something else that made them unsafe to shoot. DP rifles are not good for rebuilding.
If there is no spot weld, any smithy who has the action wrench can change the barrel.

MgMn48 · 02-18-2008, 12:44 AM

I can't answer the question because there is no rifle. Originally I was toying with the idea of fixing a decommisioned rifle. I have NOT started the project in any way. After doing more research I decided NOT to go through with the idea. It is too hard and most likely illegal. I think it will be better to find a sporterized rifle and restore it.

Dookiebutt · 02-18-2008, 06:30 AM

That's a better idea.

rfc357 · 02-18-2008, 06:54 AM

It is not illegal. However, it is not a good idea to restore an action that has been welded to a shooter.

samuel · 02-18-2008, 07:53 AM

The .03A3 is a little difficult to change barrels on because it uses a goofy thread and recessed extractor.Just a vice and action wrench isnt going to get it on this one.I've done a few.You better get a book before you start.Being a machinist will help.I am not but I can get help if I need it,and I did. sam.

SwedeSteve · 03-01-2008, 08:54 AM

I agree with Sam. Sounds like a lot of work to me!

02-10-2008, 05:10 PM	#1
MgMn48 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 37 Trader Rating: (0)	Replacing Barrel How hard would it be to put a new barrel on a sprigfield 1903A3? What is involved. Take into account I am not a gunsmith. How much would a gunsmith charge? (rough estimation)

02-10-2008, 06:19 PM	#2
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,253 Trader Rating: (0)	Please don't . . . . This is a job for a professional as it involves headspacing, lots of torque, and a learned hand. Please find a gunsmith with whom you are comfortable and let the job be done to assure a high quality outcome. Whatever you pay it is cheaper in the long run. Those of us without the equipment, gauges, and expertise simply should not get into barrel changing.

03-01-2008, 08:54 AM	#12
SwedeSteve Grumpy Old Fart Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: AnchorTown, Alaska Posts: 9,100 Trader Rating: (0)	I agree with Sam. Sounds like a lot of work to me! __________________ Thank God we don't get as much Government as we pay for! -Will Rogers

02-10-2008, 08:48 PM	#3
M14man Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: FLA Posts: 364 Trader Rating: (0)	It should be done by a competent gunsmith. The barrel will cost you $75 to $120, and a gunsmith would charge about $100.Alot depends on your success in finding an appropriate or new bbl, and a smith that is reasonable.

02-11-2008, 12:10 AM	#4
MgMn48 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 37 Trader Rating: (0)	Thanks for the advice.

02-12-2008, 05:57 AM	#5
Dookiebutt Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,020 Trader Rating: (0)	Why do you think you need a new barrel?

02-12-2008, 09:36 AM	#6
MgMn48 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 37 Trader Rating: (0)	Because there is a metal rod welded inside of it.

02-17-2008, 10:01 PM	#7
sunray Banned Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 98 Trader Rating: (0)	"...there is a metal rod welded inside..." Is there a spot weld where the barrel goes into the receiver too? If so, it was DP'd(Drill Purpose). Rifles were DP'd for a reason. Usually due to excessive wear or something else that made them unsafe to shoot. DP rifles are not good for rebuilding. If there is no spot weld, any smithy who has the action wrench can change the barrel.

02-18-2008, 12:44 AM	#8
MgMn48 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 37 Trader Rating: (0)	I can't answer the question because there is no rifle. Originally I was toying with the idea of fixing a decommisioned rifle. I have NOT started the project in any way. After doing more research I decided NOT to go through with the idea. It is too hard and most likely illegal. I think it will be better to find a sporterized rifle and restore it.

02-18-2008, 06:30 AM	#9
Dookiebutt Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,020 Trader Rating: (0)	That's a better idea.

02-18-2008, 06:54 AM	#10
rfc357 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 741 Trader Rating: (0)	It is not illegal. However, it is not a good idea to restore an action that has been welded to a shooter.

02-18-2008, 07:53 AM	#11
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,050 Trader Rating: (0)	The .03A3 is a little difficult to change barrels on because it uses a goofy thread and recessed extractor.Just a vice and action wrench isnt going to get it on this one.I've done a few.You better get a book before you start.Being a machinist will help.I am not but I can get help if I need it,and I did. sam.