Thread: Winchester 1903 .22 Automatic

Converting an '03 to .22LR is fraught with difficulty as the entire feed system must be changed to suit the smaller diameter cases, the barrel has to be chamber sleeved and rechambered, or (the best option) rebarreled completely, the breech face bushed and remachined for the smaller rim, and the extractor modified. The weight of the bolt assembly also has to be reduced to assist functioning. After all that work (and a large wedge of cash) you wind up with a mediocre .22 semi-auto at several times the price of a good new one! A good Winchester Model 63 (the factory .22LR replacement for the '03 auto) will cost over $1,000 if you can find one, and you wouldn't scope it because of its collector value. Just buy a 10'22 and have a worry-free life!