As promised in the last post, here's the pics of the Remington Model 03 Infantry rifle I built to memorialize the 7 year mark of the passing of my parents. My dad was a tech Sargent in the 7th Infantry Division of WWII, when the most-issued 'service rifle' was the Remington or Springfield Infantry Model 1903, or the slightly lesser quality Model 03A3- issued towards the end of the war. Some were also built by the typewriter company Smith-Corona, too.
Known for their ruggedness and state-of-the-art accuracy for the day, The 03 was used in many wars before and after WWII, and an original one usually commands a price nowadays in the $1000+ range.
Of course, THIS one is a custom build- made from "rescuing" a near-perfect receiver mated to a four-groove barrel, a custom stock complete with "XXL LOP", and as polished a finish as I've yet done. As far as the actual dollar value, I have no idea without getting an appraisal. For me, I couldn't put a price tag on it.
No original stock was butchered or "bubba-ed"- this is a one-off. And no original metal was altered in any way, other than done by the previous owner(s). I'm usually a "purist" but I also like rescuing quality relics that might otherwise be worthless, or get parted out.
Pic 1- The grain of this stock looked better with each 1/4" I carved down from the original chunk, and just kept revealing even more flowing and deep patterns. Only a clear, high-buffed finish would do to show it off- no oils, no stains, just natural with a Urethane gloss coat.
Pic 2- A fore end cap and grip cap complimented with 6061 aluminum spacers were added for accents.
Pic 3- Even with poor lighting, you can see the pre-waxed shine on the wood.
Pic 4- An extra-thick Pachmayer recoil pad was added to soak up the .30-06 kick, and add LOP.
Pic 5- Check out the character of that grain, it's close to perfection.
Pic 6- I kept the lines as simple and classic as possible, blending in the extra-long buttstock and thick grip.
Pic 7- Dedicated to my wonderful parents. This one's for Crazy Jean and Dapper Don.
Pic 8- The original barrel, receiver, and bolt- polished, hot-blued, and very smooth action.
Pic 9- A classic Williams micrometer peep sight was chosen for accuracy, looks, and ease of "zeroing."
Pic 10- Assembled, you can see the fatness of the stock & grip, and the added length of the butt. Original sight hood tops off the muzzle.
Pic 11- Despite the extended dimensions and weight, it's very balanced, and shoulders exceptionally well. I've never had a rifle fit me this well, before.
Pic 12- The standard LOP (Length Of Pull) from butt to center of trigger is normally 13 1/4" to 14 1/2". Since my knuckles drag the ground, perfect LOP for me is 15 1/2", a "custom made only" dimension.
Some of us lay flowers on graves, some of us pay homage or respect to those we've lost in other ways.
Me, I'm a gun guy, and that's what I do.
So this is my way of paying my respects in the best way I know how- to the best parents the Good Lord ever blessed this planet with.
May your aim be true.