Have a 20 year old shoot it,and see if the results are the same.You might check the rear sight.03a3 sights arent always mounted true dead center on the reciever so a bit of adjustment is used up just getting to true center,then you begin making correction,and the next thing you know its way off to the side.
03A3 rear sight adjustment
I shot my 03A3 for the first time today. It groups pretty well at 50 yards with M2 ball given I cannot see irons worth a damn. However, to get it centered on the target I have had to wind the rear sight adjustment almost all the way over to the right. Is this a product of my peculiar eyesight or should I be looking for a bent barrel or other such horrors?
I really do wonder if it my eyes because my FN49 also grouped a little left when I shot that today. It was a bit breezy today, but I cannot imagine it would shift M2 four inches left over 50 yards.
Cheers
Steve
I really do wonder if it my eyes because my FN49 also grouped a little left when I shot that today. It was a bit breezy today, but I cannot imagine it would shift M2 four inches left over 50 yards.
Cheers
Steve
1 - 5 of 5 Posts
Before answering I looked at my own M1903A3, on which I've adjusted the rear sight to 4 clicks left windage to center the group at 200-300 yards--but eyeballing the rear sight, it appears to be to the right of center in its dovetail. My rifle has a witness mark on the rear sight base which is out of alignment with the corresponding mark on the receiver. You might look at your own rifle and see if your entire rear sight assembly is centered on the receiver.
If you only shoot your rifle at 50 yards and you've adjusted the sight to hit where you point it, I wouldnt worrry about it. But if you ever shoot at a more challenging distance, I'd be concerned that the increased range will multiply the lateral error to the point where you will have to aim at the target to the left of yours to hit your target. In that case, you may want to drift the rear sight assembly laterally to allow you to zero at the greater range
I suppose the barrel could be bent, or the stock could be exerting pressure somewhere--but if you can regulate the sights to hit to the point of aim and the weapon is shooting consistantly good groups, I wouldnt worry about it.
If you only shoot your rifle at 50 yards and you've adjusted the sight to hit where you point it, I wouldnt worrry about it. But if you ever shoot at a more challenging distance, I'd be concerned that the increased range will multiply the lateral error to the point where you will have to aim at the target to the left of yours to hit your target. In that case, you may want to drift the rear sight assembly laterally to allow you to zero at the greater range
I suppose the barrel could be bent, or the stock could be exerting pressure somewhere--but if you can regulate the sights to hit to the point of aim and the weapon is shooting consistantly good groups, I wouldnt worry about it.
A build up in error also bothered me for long range shooting.Before answering I looked at my own M1903A3, on which I've adjusted the rear sight to 4 clicks left windage to center the group at 200-300 yards--but eyeballing the rear sight, it appears to be to the right of center in its dovetail. My rifle has a witness mark on the rear sight base which is out of alignment with the corresponding mark on the receiver. You might look at your own rifle and see if your entire rear sight assembly is centered on the receiver.
If you only shoot your rifle at 50 yards and you've adjusted the sight to hit where you point it, I wouldnt worrry about it. But if you ever shoot at a more challenging distance, I'd be concerned that the increased range will multiply the lateral error to the point where you will have to aim at the target to the left of yours to hit your target. In that case, you may want to drift the rear sight assembly laterally to allow you to zero at the greater range
I suppose the barrel could be bent, or the stock could be exerting pressure somewhere--but if you can regulate the sights to hit to the point of aim and the weapon is shooting consistantly good groups, I wouldnt worry about it.
The rear sight on my rifle looks pretty well centered with the marks on the sight and receiver nicely lined up. However, I did find some gunk in the aperture when I inspected it closely. Whether this is enough to put me so far off I do not know.
I think it would be a good idea to set up the rifle in a fixture to get it level and check that the front sight is not leaning to one side. As for stock pressure, I guess I should shoot it some more and check for hotspots when disassembled.
"My rifle has a witness mark on the rear sight base which is out of alignment with the corresponding mark on the receiver. You might look at your own rifle and see if your entire rear sight assembly is centered on the receiver."
That would drive me nuts and I would have the punch on it within 5 minutes of owning it... O3A3 sights are awesome in some respects, especially the absolute narrowness of the front post. Makes me SUPER accurate with my SC. On the other hand, the rear is cheaply made compared to the Garand with an easily sliding elevator. That can mess up elevation is all.
I wish I had a mill as all front sights on any American rifles I own would get the treatment. My NM post on the M14 is crude in comparison to my O3A3's. Oh yeah, I would buy replacements instead of the originals.
That would drive me nuts and I would have the punch on it within 5 minutes of owning it... O3A3 sights are awesome in some respects, especially the absolute narrowness of the front post. Makes me SUPER accurate with my SC. On the other hand, the rear is cheaply made compared to the Garand with an easily sliding elevator. That can mess up elevation is all.
I wish I had a mill as all front sights on any American rifles I own would get the treatment. My NM post on the M14 is crude in comparison to my O3A3's. Oh yeah, I would buy replacements instead of the originals.
1 - 5 of 5 Posts
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