well, I tend to work on projects in parallel so that nothing gets done. But this is the latest project acquisition. Probably not the best buy of my life. I bid on the following from
an Amoskeag silent auction.
"1487. U.S MODEL 1903 SPRINGFIELD SPORTERIZED BOLT ACTION RIFLE serial #865566, 30-06, 26" barrel with an excellent
bore. The Johnson Automatics tapered barrel with muzzle brake, receiver and magazine floorplate retain about 85-90% blue finish and
show light to moderate scattered oxidation on the balance. The extractor is devoid of finish and also exhibits oxidation. The bolt assembly
retains 85-90% of an armory applied parkerized finish. The sporterized smooth pistolgrip American black walnut stock rates very good plus.
The buttstock features a cheekpiece, a Monte Carlo comb and ebony grip and forend cap and black plastic buttplate. Rifle comes equipped
with a Swift Yukon 3-9X32 scope and leather sling. Rifle will need mechanical attention as the striker will not drop (gun doesn’t fire)(for
“Garand man”). (25485-9)"
Johnson Automatics 1903 Well the description was a bit misleading, on the bright side it is a Johnson Automatic 1903 sporter. At some point, someone must have
removed the earlier model Lyman 48 on it, which leaves a big gap, and they must have lost the bolt on it and replaced it with a military
surplus bolt. And the grip cap and forend tip are plastic and not ebony. But I scrubbed the rust off and have another bolt that
I picked up on gunbroker years ago that looks good with the rifle and headspaces correctly and the striker will fall when the trigger is pulled.
I've got a Lyman 48 base without any innards (Thanks Gary), so now I have a challenge to make the innards for the base and just use a slide blank. Oh, well, I will have a nice
sense of satisfaction when I bring this rifle back to life.