Remington 1903

[jfdodge]

Ok, so I got a text from my brother, a pawn shop by him the above titled rifle for sale for 795 bucks. How fast should I jump on it?

[SVT-40]

You probably should not. The actual "value" could be much much lower. To many factors which would make it much less valuable than that.

[jfdodge]

According to the site listing, it is all original. He looked at it in person and said it looks to be in great shape.

[VegasND]

Don't buy it without looking it over in person.

There's 2 of them in one store here for $500 each and they've been there a while.

[jfdodge]

Yea, I'm supposed to be going up to help him hunt turkey this next weekend, going to see if they will hold it for me until then.

[0321jarhead]

Just don't be a "turkey" and by it just because it looks good. Looks can be deceiving. How is the TE and MW on that rifle? Are you sure of yourself as to what markings are on the furniture and steel and where to look for them on that rifle? What type of stock? Serial number can also make a big difference if you are to take it out shooting too. If you have a friend that is savvy with these great rifles, have him go with you.

I and others here are just trying to give some friendly advice. Don't take it as an insult.

[mariposawrick]

Remington 1903

Get ahold of a book on the 1903's. Scott Duff's website and others sell well researched books full of parts IDs, descriptions, date charts, for just about every military rifle. Others have given you the right idea that there are too many variables among the myriad of parts that may have been interchanged over the long life of these rifles. Even CMP puts out items at their auction sites that have been "created" from mixed parts, are not quite as original as they are described, end up going for alot of money. There is one on there now, check it out.

[jfdodge]

No insult taken 0321jarhead. I will get as much info as I can over the phone and research what I can down here. Hopefully they will send more pictures so I can see the markings. I've dealt with a gunsmith up there on some other stuff so I will check and see if maybe I can bring him in to look at it. I want a shooter, not a safe queen so that's the most critical thing for me. Besides not getting screwed on the price of course.

[kurac]

Most of the 1903 and 03A3's that I see have been rebuilt and refinished. Those usually go for $600-$650 ish if in nice shape. If it was rebuilt and refinished and in rough shape on top of that then even less. Then there is the whole low serial number issue. Do your research or get it for a great price, good luck.

[Spaofjello]

Yep, check the serial numbers. My dad owns a 1903, and after some research his is a "low serial number". Bummer. Here is a link from CMP http://thecmp.org/cmp_sales/rifle_sales/m1903-m1903a3/ An interesting article http://m1903.com/03rcvrfail/

[Bobby Ricigliano]

Most of the 1903 and 03A3's that I see have been rebuilt and refinished. Those usually go for $600-$650 ish if in nice shape. If it was rebuilt and refinished and in rough shape on top of that then even less. Then there is the whole low serial number issue. Do your research or get it for a great price, good luck.

I concur. $600 - $700 is the sweet spot for nice 1903's or A3's with good bores. $795 is nothing to get excited about unless there is something especially interesting about it.

[Bainter1212]

$795 might be a "haggle price" as well....might be able to get it down a bit depending on condition and willingness of the shop.
Please post pics if you buy it!

[Crunch130]

Remington didn't start making M1903's until after the low serial number brittleness problem was fixed. So whether it's an M1903 or an M1903A3, if it's a Remington receiver, you don't have to worry about that problem.

If the rifle is an un-overhauled, all original parts rifle in nice shape, that price may be a good deal. But those a rare. For a typical re-arsenaled shooter, the other guys have nailed it.

Regards,
Crunch

[jfdodge]

I spoke with the owner of the shop yesterday. He was very firm that it was all original. I've got several books coming in today that hopefully will help me determine whether it is or not original. The books say they have tips and whatnot to tell if the gun is all original. I'm also going to take a bunch of pictures while I'm up there next weekend looking at it.

[Bhobbs]

Most of the 1903 and 03A3's that I see have been rebuilt and refinished. Those usually go for $600-$650 ish if in nice shape. If it was rebuilt and refinished and in rough shape on top of that then even less. Then there is the whole low serial number issue. Do your research or get it for a great price, good luck.

I've been looking for a good 03a3 and people have been asking well north of $650. If I can find a good shooter 03a3 for $650, I'd be all over it.