Proper 1903 Springfield Refinishing

Boondock · 01-27-2008, 06:44 PM

Gentlemen, my first posting here. Hopeing someone knowledgeable with the 1903 Springfield can give me some feedback.

I've had my Springfield for about two years now and it's been in pieces for one year. Seems I can not locate a restorer/refinisher that has the capabilities or knowledge of some of the original metal finishing processes that were used by the govt. arsenal.

All that I've spoke with give a good talk as to their abilities to apply the black 'parkerizing'. But all, including some high end outfits, have balked when I bring up the process of "oil blackening" which was employed on many of the extranious parts of the rifle, i.e., rear sight assy & fixed base sleeve, barrel bands and swivels, attaching hdwr, etc.

I feel that this rifle is pretty unique and deserves a refinishing job as close to original as possible. I assume it was armory overhauled @ 1930. Barrel is dated 1930 and has a 1920 receiver, 1914/15 bolt, pre 1910 rear sight assy and a great stock (beautifull patina) that is 1906/07.

Does anyone know of someone that is both capable and knowledgeable enough to do this job for me?

Mooseman684 · 01-27-2008, 08:03 PM

Call this Number for Info, see if they can do it...Sorry ,I don't know the Company name...
(417)754-1097 from 9am-4pm CST Mon-Sat....
Or go to CRAFTGUARD - Firearm Metal Refinishing
I can't recommend one in particular as I never dealt with them...They advertise in Shotgun News!
Rich

Boondock · 01-27-2008, 08:54 PM

Thanks for the info, I'll check into both of them.

Dookiebutt · 01-28-2008, 07:40 AM

I wouldn't bother. Your rifle sounds like a correct post-WWI rebuild. They parked bued parts and had no regard for what they put back togther. I'd leave it as-is. Finding somone to do the oil blackening and nitre blueing may not make what you have any better,

nathangdad · 01-28-2008, 09:27 AM

They actually restore rifles of your type.

01-27-2008, 06:44 PM	#1
Boondock Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 4	Proper 1903 Springfield Refinishing Gentlemen, my first posting here. Hopeing someone knowledgeable with the 1903 Springfield can give me some feedback. I've had my Springfield for about two years now and it's been in pieces for one year. Seems I can not locate a restorer/refinisher that has the capabilities or knowledge of some of the original metal finishing processes that were used by the govt. arsenal. All that I've spoke with give a good talk as to their abilities to apply the black 'parkerizing'. But all, including some high end outfits, have balked when I bring up the process of "oil blackening" which was employed on many of the extranious parts of the rifle, i.e., rear sight assy & fixed base sleeve, barrel bands and swivels, attaching hdwr, etc. I feel that this rifle is pretty unique and deserves a refinishing job as close to original as possible. I assume it was armory overhauled @ 1930. Barrel is dated 1930 and has a 1920 receiver, 1914/15 bolt, pre 1910 rear sight assy and a great stock (beautifull patina) that is 1906/07. Does anyone know of someone that is both capable and knowledgeable enough to do this job for me?

01-27-2008, 08:03 PM	#2
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness...Currently in Holiday, Fla. Posts: 11,024 Images: 2	Call this Number for Info, see if they can do it...Sorry ,I don't know the Company name... (417)754-1097 from 9am-4pm CST Mon-Sat.... Or go to CRAFTGUARD - Firearm Metal Refinishing I can't recommend one in particular as I never dealt with them...They advertise in Shotgun News! Rich __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

01-28-2008, 09:27 AM	#5
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 3,241	Try Mil-Tech They actually restore rifles of your type.

01-27-2008, 08:54 PM	#3
Boondock Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 4	Thanks for the info, I'll check into both of them.

01-28-2008, 07:40 AM	#4
Dookiebutt Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: America's North Coast Posts: 1,397	I wouldn't bother. Your rifle sounds like a correct post-WWI rebuild. They parked bued parts and had no regard for what they put back togther. I'd leave it as-is. Finding somone to do the oil blackening and nitre blueing may not make what you have any better,