Buck replacing my 703 with a 303?

H

herbigguy

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May 6, 2011
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So I have an older (script stamp) Colt 703 that has a broken back spring for dual blade side.
I called buck warranty department to see if they would fix it under warranty. The nice lady there told me that they no longer have parts to repair the old Colt, so they would replace it with a 303 with cherry wood handles.
Now I know the blade steels have changed over the years, and my understanding is my early 703 version had 440C blades.
My question is, what steel are they now using in the new 300 series knives, and how does it compare to my trusty old colt?

I most likely will send it in for replacement no matter what the answer is, as the two short blades swinging around on their own are a little distracting.
I'm just curious what I'll be getting back.
 
Sorry to hear about your 703. I had one that the spring broke so I know what you mean about the blades swinging around.
If you exchange it for the 303 you'll got 420hc steel. Pretty decent steel for all around use.
If you really like the 703, hunt on eBay for a while... They show up pretty regular.
Good luck !
 
I'm pretty sure your Colt had 425m for steal. NIB 703's do pop up now and again on eBay while lightly used one's are reasonably common. The early script knives are harder to find but use the saved search feature and you'll get one to bid on sooner or later.

You may find you really like the cherry 303.
 
Flat, With all due respect, Guy's model 703 was introduced in Dec. 1979 with the Old English script stamp. I'm sure those had 440C blades. Later in late 84 or early 85 the stamp was change to the block style. Its a good bet those would have 425 steel. This was a upgrade model from the 300 series as all parts were polished. In 86 the model changed to being sanded only. I agree its worth it to purchase a new or slightly used 703 script stamp. DM
 
I guess we'd have to agree with DM. He's the guy who can tell 440C from 425M just by looking at it.

;)
 
You can't tell the difference by looking at it?I ts as easy as looking at the blade stamps bud.LOL,You should know that by now bg with all those years of wisdom you've accumulated .
 
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Well I'm just particial 300series for one. I like the size of the 303, I like the look of the delrin scales more than wood, and the 300 series seems to have a more traditional look in my opinion.
 
David Martin said:
Flat, With all due respect, Guy's model 703 was introduced in Dec. 1979 with the Old English script stamp. I'm sure those had 440C blades. Later in late 84 or early 85 the stamp was change to the block style. Its a good bet those would have 425 steel. This was a upgrade model from the 300 series as all parts were polished. In 86 the model changed to being sanded only. I agree its worth it to purchase a new or slightly used 703 script stamp. DM
Click to expand...

I had forgot Buck intro'ed the 703 before the move to the new plant in 1981. The new plant and the move to 425m go hand in hand due to the new blanking equipment not being able to run the 440c. So most of the script 700 series are 425m (ie post '80). Also, wasn't it just the 703 and that really small one that were made at the old plant?? Another one of those "well it's hard to say" situations with a Buck knife. But odds are that its a 425m knife even with the script stamp...did the guy say when he bought the knife??

At least that's what I remember but 'hey' I'm wrong on this stuff all the time.;)
 
I feel pretty stupid.

I never thought of the 440C/425MOD changeover in those terms.

So that would mean that the last 440C blade was made in late July or August of 1980?

After that, knives with blades of 440C were made, but they were made only with leftover blades.....and those may have turned up even a few years later.

Interesting. For some reason I never looked at it that way before.
 
Flat, I'm certain the remainder were mfg. at the 'new' El Cajon plant. Only the Colt '703' for a short time (9mos. no more) was mfg. at 1717 Magnolia Ave.. The rest at Weld Blvd. plant (August 1980) was the ribbon cutting. Time enough for a sizable amount. The new plants tooling could work 440C but this steel just chewed up machinery parts and they (Buck) had geared up for 425M steel... So, it was, finish out our inventory of 440C and get going on the new steel. So, (different subject) some of the 2 dots could have gone thru the Weld halls. Certainly, all the 3 dots in a closing out effort. I think this was where you were going. DM
 
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So, Dave...... Buck was running their leftover 440C through the new equipment even though it destroyed the new equipment???

Wow.

Hard to believe.

Can we get an elucidation from the Buck Historian......Joe?
 
Yah that doesn't sound quit right. Why would buck intentionally run steel through their new machines knowing that it destroys there equipment... I don't buy it...
 
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