Using a 1903 Action for a Safari 30-06

[Captain Munro]

I am looking into slowly building a semi-custom 30-06 Safari style rifle as a sort of project (with help from gunsmiths and stock makers of course). By Safari style, I mean a barrel band sling swivel, red recoil pad, express sights, and maybe a "Martini" style stock (I like the look). Sort of like a Ruger Safari Express, but with a more streamlined stock. I am thinking I can acquire a Springfield 03 (or 03A3) action and barrel, from a sporterized rifle on Gunbroker for a decent price. Then I would have a stock made to fit it but do the finish sanding and staining myself.
Is this crazy?
Would there be a better option for something similar that has the features I want?
This would be a slow build project as time and money allow (rather than spending several grand upfront).
Opinions welcome for stock makers, barrel length, gunsmiths, etc.

 

[BourbonTrail]

Not crazy.

I love my sporterized ‘03. It’s very accurate, but there are things to make it better depending on your budget and tastes. I have considered refinishing mine to a oil rubbed finish, but otherwise I like mine the way it is. Just be aware that they can be a bear to scope, and the weird 2 stage military trigger isn’t for everyone

I recommend a 22-24” barrel.

 

[Captain Munro]

Awesome! I probably would not scope this one. At most I would do peep sights. I want it to be classic, sort of like Hemmingway's Griffin and Howe. I would consider the hand rubbed oil finish as well.

 

[Hogpatrol]

If you're set on that action, go for it but by the time you tally up all the extras needed to make it a viable safari rifle, you could have bought a brand new push feed with the same characteristics, better lock time and trigger..

 

[xausa]

This is what I called my African battery, built in the 1960's, when Africa was only a gleam in my eye, and service in the Marine Corps was more pressing:

From top to bottom, they are caliber .458 WM, .375 Chatfield-Taylor (.375/.338 WM) and 7mm Remington Magnum. Metal work by the late Harry Creighton, stocks by the late Hal Hartley. The stocks are a bit old fashioned, especially in the length of the forearms, and I never took them to Africa, relying instead on my wildcat .505 SRE, my Krieghoff "Teck" double rifle in calibers .458 WM and .375 H&H and my pre-War Winchester Model 70 in .300 H&H.

The Springfields are now in other hands, where I hope they are appreciated. All the Springfield actions were made with the double heat treatment process, which followed the case hardened actions and preceded the nickel steel actions. I have total confidence in their strength.

 

[Red Leg]

This is what I called my African battery, built in the 1960's, when Africa was only a gleam in my eye, and service in the Marine Corps was more pressing:
View attachment 508338View attachment 508340View attachment 508341
From top to bottom, they are caliber .458 WM, .375 Chatfield-Taylor (.375/.338 WM) and 7mm Remington Magnum. Metal work by the late Harry Creighton, stocks by the late Hal Hartley. The stocks are a bit old fashioned, especially in the length of the forearms, and I never took them to Africa, relying instead on my wildcat .505 SRE, my Krieghoff "Teck" double rifle in calibers .458 WM and .375 H&H and my pre-War Winchester Model 70 in .300 H&H.

The Springfields are now in other hands, where I hope they are appreciated. All the Springfield actions were made with the double heat treatment process, which followed the case hardened actions and preceded the nickel steel actions. I have total confidence in their strength.

Great suite of rifles! The old Griffin & Howe side mounts were not the most elegant solution, but if installed correctly, worked perfectly and would keep on working a lot longer than the owner. My WR .318 has one that was installed in the thirties. I had G&H change it to 1" rings from the original 7/8" set up (30's would not fit). Absolutely dependable and a great solution for an '03 (G&H will still install a set). However, they are expensive.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

The 03 is one of my favorite actions!

 

[7x57Joe]

Well, this is a cowinkidink. I've just been getting my Springfield 1903 Mark I ready for a hunt tomorrow. Maybe I'll run into the big boy.

 

[Captain Munro]

I'm mostly set on a CRF action, rather than push feed. It doesn't necessarily have to be a Springfield, but they are readily available.

 

[Safari Dave]

I think you have a cool project in mind.


I would at least detectable scope it, over iron sights, so that you would have a ethical shot on that 300 yard impala.

 

[112Savage]

GRIFFIN & HOWE SPORTER 30-06

Korngrath engraved, original G&H sling and sidemount. Hensoldt scope. Butt pad has some small damage.

griffinhowe.com

Now I didn’t say this was a good deal, but it embodies the feel you’re going after I believe.

 

[Captain Munro]

GRIFFIN & HOWE SPORTER 30-06

Korngrath engraved, original G&H sling and sidemount. Hensoldt scope. Butt pad has some small damage.

griffinhowe.com

Now I didn’t say this was a good deal, but it embodies the feel you’re going after I believe.

That is pretty much it! I just read an article about Griffin and Howe in the Gun Digest and it called to me.

 

[Captain Munro]

I think you have a cool project in mind.


I would at least detectable scope it, over iron sights, so that you would have a ethical shot on that 300 yard impala.

It will be slow going, as we are settling into our new house. Good point on the scope as well.

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

GRIFFIN & HOWE SPORTER 30-06

Korngrath engraved, original G&H sling and sidemount. Hensoldt scope. Butt pad has some small damage.

griffinhowe.com

Now I didn’t say this was a good deal, but it embodies the feel you’re going after I believe.

Here’s another one that’ll make your heart skip a beat

GRIFFIN & HOWE 1926 #128- TOTAL HJALMAR SWENSEN ENGRAVED- 30-06 SPGFLD ACTION- 3 FOLDING LEAF ISLAND SIGHT- ENGRAVED LYMAN RECEIVER SIGHT

GRIFFIN & HOWE 1926 #128- TOTAL HJALMAR SWENSEN ENGRAVED- 30-06 SPGFLD ACTION- 3 FOLDING LEAF ISLAND SIGHT- ENGRAVED LYMAN RECEIVER SIGHT for sale online.

www.gunsinternational.com

 

[Captain Munro]

Here’s another one that’ll make your heart skip a beat

GRIFFIN & HOWE 1926 #128- TOTAL HJALMAR SWENSEN ENGRAVED- 30-06 SPGFLD ACTION- 3 FOLDING LEAF ISLAND SIGHT- ENGRAVED LYMAN RECEIVER SIGHT

GRIFFIN & HOWE 1926 #128- TOTAL HJALMAR SWENSEN ENGRAVED- 30-06 SPGFLD ACTION- 3 FOLDING LEAF ISLAND SIGHT- ENGRAVED LYMAN RECEIVER SIGHT for sale online.

www.gunsinternational.com

Yep, that did it for sure. I wish I was rich! That's such a fine rifle.

 

[MontanaPat]

GRIFFIN & HOWE SPORTER 30-06

Korngrath engraved, original G&H sling and sidemount. Hensoldt scope. Butt pad has some small damage.

griffinhowe.com

Now I didn’t say this was a good deal, but it embodies the feel you’re going after I believe.

 

[BeeMaa]

Any thought given to a Rigby Highland Stalker? Seems to have everything on the list, short of the Springfield action you requested.

 

[112Savage]

The highland stalker is the cheapest way there with production guns. G&H sporters start at $15k now day (new).
PS if you have the itch for one of these, don’t read “the green hills of Africa”. Ask me how I know.

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

Yep, that did it for sure. I wish I was rich! That's such a fine rifle.

Ditto!

 

[Captain Munro]

Any thought given to a Rigby Highland Stalker? Seems to have everything on the list, short of the Springfield action you requested.
View attachment 508371

Lots of thoughts! More like dreams...begging...searching for a magic lamp with a genie to grant me 3 wishes...I had a nice chat with Rigbys engraver at DSC last year, maybe he could hook me up with the friends and family discount.