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  #1  
Old 04-05-2012, 1:00 PM
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Default Want to get a correct 1903a3.

I'm looking to get a 1903a3 I've been lusting after one of these for quite some time. I think it would make a fun gun at the range and I'm thinking it would make a damn fine deer rifle. Are these available through the CMP or what way would be the best to go about getting one of these? I would like to add a scope as well it looks like the correct scopes are old weaver 2.5?
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  #2  
Old 04-05-2012, 1:50 PM
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If by correct you mean an original 1903A4 then prepare to pay thousands of dollars. Replica 1903 sniper rifles can be found at various places built on mostly '03 reactivated drill rifle receivers like these: http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.as...fle&groupid=12
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  #3  
Old 04-05-2012, 2:25 PM
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CMP has been sold out of these for quite a long time. They are becoming more rare, especially original and clean, you are going to have to pony up the big bucks.
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  #4  
Old 04-05-2012, 4:22 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisO View Post
I'm looking to get a 1903a3 I've been lusting after one of these for quite some time.
Watch the Private Sales section. They pop up from time to time. Maybe put in a WTB add, as well...

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I would like to add a scope as well it looks like the correct scopes are old weaver 2.5?
Please don't do that....
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Old 04-05-2012, 4:33 PM
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Originally Posted by 7.62x63mmUS View Post
If by correct you mean an original 1903A4 then prepare to pay thousands of dollars. Replica 1903 sniper rifles can be found at various places built on mostly '03 reactivated drill rifle receivers like these: URL="http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1NA1903A4&name=US+M1903A4+Sprin gfield+30.06+Rifle&groupid=12"]http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1NA1903A4&name=US+M1903A4+Sprin gfield+30.06+Rifle&groupid=12[/URL]
Well, there are plenty of WWII parts-matching/arsenal checked Remington & SC 1903-A3s available still packed with cosmoline which are about as original as you can get on a budget, many with RIA barrels that still look new (I can post pics of mine as an example), and can be had for under $800.00.

However, since mentioning you want to add a scope, then that would be a 1903-A4 "sniper" version; while still a 1903, it is a different creature altogether in terms of rarity, much more rare, and yes, a correlating collector cost-factor. But "correct" historically doesn't have to mean an A4.

Keep in mind, they made MILLIONS! And may are still around. You don't have to settle for that refurbished parts-gun from AIM Surplus, which has no collectible value, lacks integrity, and while quite pretty and probably done very well and probably shoots well, is not much better than a movie-prop for close-ups.
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Old 04-05-2012, 4:51 PM
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Why would you get a correct 03A3 and then sporterize it? Plenty of sporter 1903s out there already, one of those would be much cheaper.
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I am currently cleaning it and I noticed when I squeeze the snake this white paste like substance comes out. What the heck is this crap?
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Don't D&T a virgin milsurp rifle. You'll burn in collector hell.
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Old 04-05-2012, 4:55 PM
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[QUOTE=The Gleam;8351540]Well, there are plenty of WWII parts-matching/arsenal checked Remington & SC 1903-A3s available still packed with cosmoline which are about as original as you can get on a budget, many with RIA barrels that still look new (I can post pics of mine as an example), and can be had for under $800.00.

[...]

QUOTE]

Where? I sure ain't seen one but I may be looking in all the wrong places.
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Old 04-05-2012, 5:36 PM
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[QUOTE=Mutant;8351661]
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Gleam View Post
Well, there are plenty of WWII parts-matching/arsenal checked Remington & SC 1903-A3s available still packed with cosmoline which are about as original as you can get on a budget, many with RIA barrels that still look new (I can post pics of mine as an example), and can be had for under $800.00.

[...]

QUOTE]

Where? I sure ain't seen one but I may be looking in all the wrong places.
I found a Remington 1903 and a 1903-A3 last fall, the 03-A3 turned out to be totally original from 1943 and not a rebuild... so they are out there still:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=524675
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Old 04-05-2012, 5:49 PM
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We've found correct, originals 1903a3 Remingtons and also Smith Coronas this year for the sub '600 price with great bores on original barrels. The Smith Corona came with a year appropriate C stock. They are out there.
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  #10  
Old 04-05-2012, 6:16 PM
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Originally Posted by mosinnagantm9130 View Post
Why would you get a correct 03A3 and then sporterize it? Plenty of sporter 1903s out there already, one of those would be much cheaper.

There is couple in the CG Marketplace right now for under $500, right now.
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  #11  
Old 04-05-2012, 8:35 PM
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Originally Posted by The Gleam View Post
Well, there are plenty of WWII parts-matching/arsenal checked Remington & SC 1903-A3s available still packed with cosmoline which are about as original as you can get on a budget, many with RIA barrels that still look new (I can post pics of mine as an example), and can be had for under $800.00.
Where? You must share the source. Although I have enough 1903 from all three manufacturers and 03-A3 from both manufacturers I want a cosmo soaked example. Let me know where to go as I have never seen one for under $2K packed in cosmo from arsenal.
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Old 04-06-2012, 6:26 AM
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You guys are getting the wrong idea I don't want to sporterize anything, Adding the correct scope is not sporterizing more so making a replica of a a4 since I don't want to pony up the cash to get a original. I will be keeping the 03a3 in the original wood and everything.
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Old 04-06-2012, 6:35 AM
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You don't have to settle for that refurbished parts-gun from AIM Surplus, which has no collectible value, lacks integrity, and while quite pretty and probably done very well and probably shoots well, is not much better than a movie-prop for close-ups.
Lacks integrity? Elaborate please.

Are you saying the actions lack strength, or are you saying the rifle is somehow unethical?
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Old 04-06-2012, 8:16 AM
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Originally Posted by ChrisO View Post
You guys are getting the wrong idea I don't want to sporterize anything, Adding the correct scope is not sporterizing more so making a replica of a a4 since I don't want to pony up the cash to get a original. I will be keeping the 03a3 in the original wood and everything.
An a3 in correct condition doesn't have Bubba holes for a scope mount. Most of us don't understand why you would want to pay extra for an original rifle only to change it and cut its value in half. There are plenty of mixmasters out there that already have holes in them.
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Old 04-06-2012, 8:29 AM
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""They are out there........""

So are diamonds, gold, easy supermodels and honest polititions but "out there" isn't a real place to tap into. A never touched rebuild in cosmo for under $800 is way, way out there, some where near Farpost 9 in the Rigilian sector of the Universe.
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Old 04-06-2012, 9:27 AM
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""They are out there........""

So are diamonds, gold, easy supermodels and honest polititions but "out there" isn't a real place to tap into. A never touched rebuild in cosmo for under $800 is way, way out there, some where near Farpost 9 in the Rigilian sector of the Universe.
Exactly. The last one I saw in mummy wrap/cosmo went over $2K.
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  #17  
Old 04-06-2012, 9:30 AM
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Originally Posted by MongooseV8 View Post
An a3 in correct condition doesn't have Bubba holes for a scope mount. Most of us don't understand why you would want to pay extra for an original rifle only to change it and cut its value in half. There are plenty of mixmasters out there that already have holes in them.
^^

This...

Just find a cheap "sporter" on Gunbroker that's already been drilled and tapped. Another option would be to get one of those "aftermarket" 03-A3s. I forget the name of the company that made those but they are not Government Issue; kind of like the auto ordnance M1s, only these were 03s. You can cut one of those to pieces and no one is going to care....
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Old 04-06-2012, 1:32 PM
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^^

This...

Just find a cheap "sporter" on Gunbroker that's already been drilled and tapped. Another option would be to get one of those "aftermarket" 03-A3s. I forget the name of the company that made those but they are not Government Issue; kind of like the auto ordnance M1s, only these were 03s. You can cut one of those to pieces and no one is going to care....
And this^^

Seriously, find one that is already D&T for your project.
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I am currently cleaning it and I noticed when I squeeze the snake this white paste like substance comes out. What the heck is this crap?
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Don't D&T a virgin milsurp rifle. You'll burn in collector hell.
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Old 04-06-2012, 1:39 PM
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If you want a project gun, there were tons of 03A3s converted to sporters in the 50s and 60s. Some done by pros, some done by "bubbas" in the garage or basement shop. The NRA even put out a book on how to sporterize milsurp rifles. I wouldn't pay more than $350 for a sporter. They're out there. Don't D&T a virgin milsurp rifle. You'll burn in collector hell.
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Old 04-06-2012, 1:41 PM
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Don't D&T a virgin milsurp rifle. You'll burn in collector hell.
And welcome to my sig!
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My neighbors think I'm a construction worker named Bruce.

Little do they know that's just my stripper outfit and name.
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I am currently cleaning it and I noticed when I squeeze the snake this white paste like substance comes out. What the heck is this crap?
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Don't D&T a virgin milsurp rifle. You'll burn in collector hell.
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Old 04-06-2012, 2:41 PM
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Default Correct 03A3

I picked up an 03A1 made in the late 30's that was sportarized with a nice Denver 3X9 scope for $300 and am now developing cast bullet loads. The bore was near mirror and a nice tight head space. Look for one of these instead of a cosmoline wrapped original. I did get two of those back when they were $400 through the CMP, one was a very nice Remington A3 and the other was a 1922 A1.
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Old 04-06-2012, 5:21 PM
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I picked up an 03A1 made in the late 30's that was sportarized with a nice Denver 3X9 scope for $300 and am now developing cast bullet loads. The bore was near mirror and a nice tight head space. Look for one of these instead of a cosmoline wrapped original. I did get two of those back when they were $400 through the CMP, one was a very nice Remington A3 and the other was a 1922 A1.
Slightly off topic but have you seen Ammosmith's "Driving Bands" video? Might help you in your endeavors. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8bU0Jr73P0
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Old 04-06-2012, 9:10 PM
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It's really no ones business what I do with a personal firearm, I asked about the best route to go about procuring one not what you thought of my plans for it. It is not putting "bubba holes" in anything they made 03's with scopes 03A4's I want to put the correct scope and mount on it not a leupold mark 4 nor do I have the money to buy a complete original 03A4 being as how if it did not leave the arsenal as a 03A4 it will never be one but I do want to make a replica... so get of your high horse.

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Originally Posted by MongooseV8 View Post
An a3 in correct condition doesn't have Bubba holes for a scope mount. Most of us don't understand why you would want to pay extra for an original rifle only to change it and cut its value in half. There are plenty of mixmasters out there that already have holes in them.
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Old 04-06-2012, 9:24 PM
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Originally Posted by ChrisO View Post
It's really no ones business what I do with a personal firearm, I asked about the best route to go about procuring one not what you thought of my plans for it. It is not putting "bubba holes" in anything they made 03's with scopes 03A4's I want to put the correct scope and mount on it not a leupold mark 4 nor do I have the money to buy a complete original 03A4 being as how if it did not leave the arsenal as a 03A4 it will never be one but I do want to make a replica... so get of your high horse.
Lolz. There is no correct scope or mount for an a3. Yes tapping a receiver for scope mounting is considered Bubba holes. I'm not on a high horse, I'm on the common sense horse. If you want to spend $800 on a rifle and drill some holes in it and turn it into a $400 rifle be my guest. Its all going to burn in the end anyway, just trying to save you some money is all.
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Old 04-06-2012, 10:00 PM
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I think AIM has 03-A4 repros. It would be cheaper to get one of those than to build one yourself.
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I am currently cleaning it and I noticed when I squeeze the snake this white paste like substance comes out. What the heck is this crap?
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Don't D&T a virgin milsurp rifle. You'll burn in collector hell.
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Old 04-06-2012, 10:36 PM
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Originally Posted by ChrisO View Post
It's really no ones business what I do with a personal firearm,
Well, you posted your question on a public internet forum, so it's hard to make a case for "privacy". That's another issue, though...

That being said, all we are trying to do is help you make an educated decision. Whatever choice you make, you are going to build a "replica" A4; it will never be a legitimate A4. This is not going to be a battle rifle with a historical pedigree. So, if a "replica" is what you're after, why not use a rifle that is going to cost you less to buy and isn't going to rob the gun world of a piece of history?

Say you buy a Remington, or Springfield 1903, or 03-A4 for the going price ($750-$950) and drill it for scope mounts. You've just turned your "investment" into a $350-$450 rifle and it might take you 2 decades to wait for inflation to drive the price back up to the point where you get your money back. If you want to do an A4, that's fine! ...just don't use a piece of history to do it. Find a sporterized 1903 and rebuild it, or use a National Ordnance rifle that no one is going to care about: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=280781473

That rifle is "no reserve" and $399. It's perfect for your purposes...
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  #27  
Old 04-07-2012, 9:01 PM
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Creedmoor sports sells fully rebuilt 1903's in different variants.

jouster and snipers hide has had some range reports on them.
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Old 04-08-2012, 9:05 AM
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For what you want to do, just get the Gibbs 1903A4 repro from AIM. It is ready to go, and will end up costing less in the long run than taking a good rifle and "converting" it.
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Old 07-21-2012, 10:29 PM
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Op, what did u end up doing?
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Old 07-22-2012, 8:50 AM
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Default 03-a3

the cmp had a few barreled actions left however bore rating poor . the reciever rear sight makes mounting a scope (other than side mount ) difficult at best there are some monkey butt no drill mounts out there but even the s&k mounts not solid . i have a remington that is beautiful and i have looked and looked for one . i have concluded it will stay the wAY SHE CAME and i will look for a better peep sight cheers jeff
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