I have a M1903 low number (687xxx) barreled action with a USMC Sedgley 12-43 barrel. It barely head spaces on a field gage. The muzzle measures approx. 1 but the rifling is not sharp.
I’ve been thinking about removing the barrel and installing it on a high number receiver. Is it possible the head space will improve when the barrel is installed on a different receiver? Any way of correcting the headspace if the rifle does not head space?
Jim