National Ordnance 1903A3 - Texas Precision Replica Scope

[@thereindeertherabbitthebat592]

Awesome 👍. Reminds me of the old Carcano scope mount. Cool vintage look. I like it a lot. I bet it's easy to blow thru some 30-06 with that. Love an old bolt gun. Great video, thanks for sharing it.

[@iloveshootingshit]

Yea i think of Band of brothers or saving private ryan everytime i pick it up

[@dozerboy67]

The accuracy shouldn’t surprise you, the most accurate gun I ever built was for a guy in France. They’re not allowed to own firearms in military calibers (go figure) so we chambered it in .270 Winchester and let me tell you that gun could shoot! I almost didn’t send it to him! But even chambered in .06 it is a devastatingly accurate rifle, both the Springfield 03 and the 03 A3. Once you get that puppy reparked you’ll be in business. Get a leather sling too! 🇺🇸💪👊

[@JohnDoe-yg6ed]

From my understand the barrel band you are saying is sharp is actually a barrel band and sling mount, the top isn’t a sling mount it’s for when soldiers “tp” stack their rifles in the field. A couple channels cover the whole history on the top part there, pretty cool to see photos of it from the field during the war

[@russell7852]

4x is all you need for most situations. Especially when you grt used to it

[@portugal5698]

My thoughts exactly. Not to mention that you can get plenty of 4x-power scopes in a pretty tiny, compact size, which allows for a perfect fitting side-mounted scope w/ room for open sight use at the same time, if needed. The best ones imo are primarily the better quality, *VINTAGE* Weaver specs, such as the C4, J4, and/or K4; as well as the Lyman Alaskan specs, and even a few “no-name” or uncommon Jap imports that flooded the market in the 60s-90s. People gave *(and still give)* them a bad rep for that very reason, not realizing half of the brand names they recognize and buy are practically the same thing w/ a different logo or company name stamped on it! Unfortunately, that is also the reason that both Weaver and Lyman tanked towards the end of the 20th century, which is a major shame seeing such a historic, trailblazing-pioneer, guaranteed American-made company go out of business and leave the game, to never return to even near-half of it’s former glory. Weaver was one of those iconic, old school companies that was responsible for contributing pride to the *”MADE IN AMERICA!”* belief/reputation and took pride in everything they did w/ quality at an affordable price, which is why my family all over Europe used to always beg my grandfather back in the day to bring Weaver K4 scopes in his luggage w/ him when returning to the homeland. Sorry for all the rambling LMFAO, but long story short, the quality on all those underappreciated scopes are more durable than 80% of the ones on the market now, that suprisingly cost almost 5 times what 1 of those did back in the old days! It’s awesome that the same reliable scopes that our grandparents/parents relied on back in their days can both affordably and easily be acquired in decent, working condition, sometimes w/ minor scuffs and/or rust spots, but not the end of the world, as it’s their to do a job well, and not just sit their looking overpriced and pretty! However, come across an unopened, mint one that was never used and in pristine condition, and value goes from $40-$120, all the way to near $1K, if not more! Of course, based off my analysis, the practical option is the either buy a good, working order one w/ minor cosmetic issues for less than $100 *AS WELL AS* keeping an eye on Ebay at all times for those rare steal bids or offer deals!!

[@davidwagner6055]

A great video. Well done.

[@iloveshootingshit]

Thanks. I am glad you enjoyed!

[@russell7852]

Just got a 1903a3. My sub 0 bore and 1 muzzle tagged a $.25 qt 100 yards 3-5mm above center

[@mlindsay527]

03s make excellent cast bullet shooters. Give it a try if you get a chance.

[@portugal5698]

The 1903 is definitely worth owning and/or collecting. W/ any original, good quality milsurp, I feel re-creating the most historically or aresthetically accurate component(s) is key. This one is a good example as far as looks go, but may need a few modifications to be reliable as well as appealing to the eye. W/ most milsurps, all you really need is a 4x-power, which can get you right to 150-250 yards easily, while remaining a tiny, compact size, no bigger than a small flashlight. The reason for the smaller size preference is that it allows for a perfect fitting side-mounted scope w/ room for open sight use at the same time, if needed. I feel that a well zeroed 3x/4x-power scope is more than 95% of most hunters or rec shooters even need in 9/10 situations encountered. The best ones imo are primarily the better quality, *VINTAGE* Weaver specs, such as the C4, J4, and/or K4; as well as the Lyman Alaskan specs, and even a few “no-name” or uncommon Jap imports that flooded the market in the 60s-90s. People gave *(and still give)* them a bad rep for that very reason, not realizing half of the brand names they recognize and buy are practically the same thing w/ a different logo or company name stamped on it! Unfortunately, that is also the reason that both Weaver and Lyman tanked towards the end of the 20th century, which is a major shame seeing such a historic, trailblazing-pioneer, guaranteed American-made company go out of business and leave the game, to never return to even near-half of it’s former glory. Weaver was one of those iconic, old school companies that was responsible for contributing pride to the *”MADE IN AMERICA!”* belief/reputation and took pride in everything they did w/ quality at an affordable price, which is why my family all over Europe used to always beg my grandfather back in the day to bring Weaver K4 scopes in his luggage w/ him when returning to the homeland. Sorry for all the rambling LMFAO, but long story short, the quality on all those underappreciated scopes are more durable than 80% of the ones on the market now, that suprisingly cost almost 5 times what 1 of those did back in the old days! It’s awesome that the same reliable scopes that our grandparents/parents relied on back in their days can both affordably and easily be acquired in decent, working condition, sometimes w/ minor scuffs and/or rust spots, but not the end of the world, as it’s their to do a job well, and not just sit their looking overpriced and pretty! However, come across an unopened, mint one that was never used and in pristine condition, and value goes from $40-$120, all the way to near $1K, if not more! Of course, based off my analysis, the practical option is the either buy a good, working order one w/ minor cosmetic issues for less than $100 *AS WELL AS* keeping an eye on Ebay at all times for those rare steal bids or offer deals!!

[@levinlevinallday]

How's the scope been holding up? Seen they sell mauser sniper scopes but I don't have alot of confidence in cheap Chinese replicas.

[@cadennorris960]

Would you recommend this over the hi-lux version? I’d prefer not to buy something from China but I wouldn’t be surprised if this one is also made there.

[@iloveshootingshit]

Idk if I'd recommend either

[@cadennorris960]

@@iloveshootingshitAre there any other high quality reproductions of this scope? Keep in mind I’m not putting this on a real rifle.

[@jimcastillo8950]

Hello, I have been thinking about converting my 1903a3 with a scope and I was concern if the original bolt will cycle without hitting the scope. Looking at yours it does clear it and it doesnt look like a special scallop bolt. Thanks

[@iloveshootingshit]

Mine does clear but u have to be careful cycling it. Best to have the bolt modified for the scope clearenc3

[@herrcobblermachen]

Some receivers are remarkably hard, and can vary one to the next. Did you use cutting oil during the drill and tapping?

[@iloveshootingshit]

Yes I did

[@herrcobblermachen]

@@iloveshootingshit Appreciate the reply :) I would love to see another vid or any updates you may or may not have :)

[@iloveshootingshit]

Prasky Gunworks will be doing a lot of cool custom firearms soon. If interested in custom work contact Sean Prasky at Www.pgwcustom.com

[@davidv.3135]

Cool!

[@achillebelanger9866]

They are accurate,but are jam monkey 🐒 s. They originals don't fetch up between the Magazine floor plate ,spring and feed ramp. That Korean ammo is good stuff. No issues with that or Greek. 1962 Danish 30-06 is the 🐈 *! I have a stock of it. By the way...every time I take the National Ord out it 🌧️☔ Rains. Just Sayin'.

[@richardcranium2581]

Any issues with the rifle? Or receiver? They’re cast and I’ve heard the usual run of the mill horror stories about exploding receivers, head spacing, etc.

[@iloveshootingshit]

Mine has been fine. I have heard those stories were from people loading their own hot ammo. If you have one id suggest you to take it to a gunsmith.

[@richardcranium2581]

@@iloveshootingshit good to hear. Bought one at an estate sale. It is in very good condition. I only plan on shooting regular 30’06 out of it. I figured most of the stories are from people who make T-Rex hunting loads anyways.

[@iloveshootingshit]

@@richardcranium2581 it wouldnt hurt to get the rifle checked out

[@richardcranium2581]

@@iloveshootingshit I agree. Only problem is most gunsmiths these days only know AR’s, the old mil surp guys are a dying breed.

[@iloveshootingshit]

@@richardcranium2581 i guess that depends on the area

[@harrybrads]

Did you have to modify your bolt or does the scope sit rear enough to clear it?

[@iloveshootingshit]

Bolt naturally clears it

[@harrybrads]

@@iloveshootingshit many thanks, great video!

[@Sweatedsiren895]

Wait , this one is A3 instead of 4?

[@norris996]

How did you remove the front sight?

[@michaelbenjmitchell1]

Pretty easy knock out the pin tap off the front sight and the front sight key. easy peasy

[@crazy4milsurps]

Never forget the day I bought it and the day it tried to kill me lol

[@danielreel3055]

as someone who had one blow, get rid of that rifle ! still have some of it stuck in my face and eye

[@chaopan2810]

Sorry to hear, Can I get more details on that? What ammo were you shooting?

[@cadennorris960]

A lot of people own and routinely shoot the 1903 it is not a dangerous rifle if you use it correctly like any other milsurp rifle.

[@danielreel3055]

the forward locking lugs will dig into the receiver. mine went from unfired to blown up in 79 rounds and the ammo was all factory. N.A. is a horrible company!!

[@iloveshootingshit]

My question is what ammo were you shooting

[@iloveshootingshit]

I have been told only ammo marked Springfield or government loads were safe. Hotter ammo could cause catastrophic failures like yours

[@crazy4milsurps]

@@iloveshootingshit remington soft points

[@crazy4milsurps]

@@iloveshootingshit corelokt or what ever they are called.. I am also dan, this is my mobile account replying lol

[@crazy4milsurps]

@@iloveshootingshit i ended up stripping it down and selling the parts and sending my receiver to an older gentlemen who was an armorer in the navy and collected failed guns.