IMO I think who sporterized it is important. My 1903 was sporterized by the old man who used it in WWII. I have no intention of putting it back to original. There is almost no bluing left on it, yet the bore is beautiful. I am considering refinishing the stock and probably duracoating it black or parkerizing it. Why not make it look it's best and preserve it?
Conversely, if it were all original from the man who used it in war, I would leave it original. As far as I'm concerned, the rifle has a story to tell.![]()