Identify what mount will fit my sporterized The Remington 1903 03 A3

[fletchersc]

I bought a Remington 1903 03 A3, and I can see it had a scope mount, but I do not know what kind will fit. Teh three holes on the left have been tapped, there is an additional part added where the rear mount should be, it has a whole. I believe I see where a ring might have been where the barrel comes into the chamber,( sorry if that is the wrong way to describe that). What mount system will fit this?

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Looks like a side mount contraption to mount a scope forward that will clear the military bolt handle. I would have a gunsmith plug the holes with flush screws, have the bolt handle modified, safety changed for scope relief, and receiver tapped for "normal" top mount base and rings. Sounds complicated but it's not. Is this gun still in military configuration (hand guard stock, etc.?). If it is, then it's possible the side mount was for military sniper scope. Look down the muzzle and count the rifling lands. If there's three, that would definitely be a sniper model. Four lands = standard pre-WWII or early WWII. Two lands = late WWII.

When tapping for standard top mount bases, keep in mind that the dovetail on rear of receiver for rear military sight was not very uniform in height. Didn't need to be as rear sights were fully adjustable and manufacture was rushed. But top mount sporting bases/rails will utilize that dovetail. Make sure the base is not mounted too high on the dovetail or you may/will run out of elevation adjustment on the scope. May need to file down the top of the dovetail to lower the rear base or back end of rail. Other option would be to shim the front base or front of rail but in my opinion that is much less desirable.

You have a very fine rifle. In my opinion the 03A3 is much superior to the 98 Mauser. The action is MUCH smoother cycling than 98 Mauser ... and 98 is very smooth. Both actions do the last bit of cocking on closing but the Springfield does not lift the striker nearly as far as Mauser. Consequently, the Springfield bolt almost jumps close at end of cycle. Springfield will always snap over on a cartridge dropped in the chamber but some Mausers need to have extractor modified to do this (I would still recommend loading from magazine if at all possible). The 03A3 is every bit as strong as 98 Mauser (both have three bolt locking lugs) but seldom used for thumper gun builds. Not sure why. It would seem the action is long enough. Perhaps the bolt face is not wide enough? Anyway, 30-06 is a tough cartridge to beat as is. You could invest $200 (max) in upgrading this gun and make yourself a real treasure. Mine has been killing stuff for me since 1964.