bigbulls

Got a question for either of you guys or anyone else that may have an answer.

I got a Springfield O3-A3 in the shop that the customer wants drilled and tapped for mounts. The customer provided a correct Redfield base (according to Redfields part number) for the gun. The problem is that the front screw hole will go directly through the middle of the upper recoil lug seat.

This is the first O3 I have had come in for D&T which is why I am asking this. I have never heard of drilling through a lug seat before to mount a scope. Seems a bit on the dangerous side.

Roskoe

This is commonly done. On a Remington, the front guard screw goes right up through the bottom of the leg recess - and it's 1/4 X 28, not 6 X 48. Roskoe.

Roskoe

I just re-read your post. Are you saying the screw hole, when it comes out into the action, is going to be taking a portion of the recoil lug face away? In that case, just don't drill it deep enough to come through. And then use a bottoming tap. This stuff is kind of hard to visualize from text. Am I getting it right?

bigbulls

Like this.

I have never known a hole to be drilled through a lug seat like this. Every scope mounting hole I have ever seen or drilled has been between the lug seats and the breech face and of course over the threads.

vangunsmith

Drill downshort of the depth of the screwshank with a bottom drill and use a bottoming tap,but don,t drill into the lug,you will have enought meat with the screw. It should be around .150 to .175 deep. measure your screw. vangunsmith

HighDesertWolf

does the guy have the original furniture for the 03-A3?? I have a sporterized 03-A3, and want the original sights and stock so i can use it in CMP matches. If hes gonna sporterize his 03-A3 I'll buy his original sights and stock if he wants to part with them.