M1903A3 Preference

[F4E Phantom]

I currently got my eye on two 1903A3 on Gunbroker, one is a rebuilt with a 1943 barrel. The other is a complete factory rebuild with a Criterion barrel.Of course the complete rebuild is over $200 more. I plan to use it for semi serous Highpower matches. Opinions please.

[highpower790]

Get the cheaper of the two.Original barrels are surprisingly accurate considering the type of rifle being used.
I've have won local matches with my 03-A3s with original barrels,using reloads and military ball,not much difference!
If it comes with a C stock that makes it easier to shoot.
Ask seller what the muzzle and chamber wear is,if known!Lower the numbers the better.1-3 would be nice!

[SVT-40]

Criterion is a aftermarket modern barrel. When you say "factory" rebuild, what you mean is its no longer in its original military trim.

It's been alteted and will no longer be of any collector value


It not worth $200 more than a original 03-A3. It's less than the original.

[Grendl]

Criterion is a aftermarket modern barrel. When you say "factory" rebuild, what you mean is its no longer in its original military trim.

It's been altered and will no longer be of any collector value

It not worth $200 more than a original 03-A3. It's less than the original.

Agreed!

[Mustang]

I currently got my eye on two 1903A3 on Gunbroker, one is a rebuilt with a 1943 barrel. The other is a complete factory rebuild with a Criterion barrel.Of course the complete rebuild is over $200 more. I plan to use it for semi serous Highpower matches. Opinions please.

When you say a "complete factory rebuild" are you talking about a Miltech, CMP shop, or James River Armory factory rebuild? Or do you mean that it has a lot of new non-GI parts, like the Criterion barrel, and you really don't know who put them all together?

Which one you get depends on what your purpose in buying it is. If you are looking for the most accurate rifle for your "semi serous Highpower matches", then the one with the new barrel may be the best choice. All other things being equal, a Criterion barrel should render better accuracy.

But all other things are rarely equal. As others have noted, older GI barrels can be quite accurate. And if the bits and pieces of the "factory rebuilt" rifle were not assembled well, it might not be accurate at all.

If, on the other hand, you are really interested in owning something collectible that you also shoot in matches, then the original A3 is your only choice. The "factory rebuild", as previously noted, is no longer a collectible piece.

[slamfire1]

I screwed a Criterion barrel on a M1903A3 and that barrel is superior to any military barrel I have on either 1903's, or A3's. Group sizes are about half the best of the military barrels.

I have installed brand new four groove



and two groove barrels on A3's and 03's. These barrels were new, either in the wrap, or out of the wrap. None of them shoot better than 2 MOA with 168 SMK's. The two groove barrel shoots cast lead better than the 4 groove, might be due to better gripping of the bullet. Or not.

M1903A3's were made under war time conditions by the low bidder. The primarily consideration was getting them out the door. Pretty much if they went bang, that was acceptable.

this might be of interest:

Hummer70

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5424409

First off consider the requirement facts from the engineering files from the government weapons production efforts.

1. acceptance accuracy for 1903 Springfield was 3" at 100 yards.
2. acceptance accuracy for M1 Garand was 5" at 100 yards.
3. acceptance accuracy for M14 was 5.5" at 100 yards and was waivered continually as it could not meet that.
4. acceptance accuracy for M16 series is 4.5" at 100 yards.

From SAAMI we have a recommendation of 3" at 100 yards and it is up to the vendor whether he wants to meet this or not.


A real problem I had with the A3 was getting the rear sight to be dead center at 100 yards, as I primarily shot the thing in 100 and 200 yard matches. You can buy a taller front if need be. Also, the A3 sight has a habit of sliding down if the spring is not tight against the base. The A3 sight is better than the 03 sight in my opinion, for target shooting. Never did well with an 03 even though I have the P.J O'Hare adjustment tool.

[Mustang]

I screwed a Criterion barrel on a M1903A3 and that barrel is superior to any military barrel I have on either 1903's, or A3's. Group sizes are about half the best of the military barrels.

I have installed brand new four groove



and two groove barrels on A3's and 03's. These barrels were new, either in the wrap, or out of the wrap. None of them shoot better than 2 MOA with 168 SMK's. The two groove barrel shoots cast lead better than the 4 groove, might be due to better gripping of the bullet. Or not.

M1903A3's were made under war time conditions by the low bidder. The primarily consideration was getting them out the door. Pretty much if they went bang, that was acceptable.

this might be of interest:

Hummer70

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5424409

First off consider the requirement facts from the engineering files from the government weapons production efforts.

1. acceptance accuracy for 1903 Springfield was 3" at 100 yards.
2. acceptance accuracy for M1 Garand was 5" at 100 yards.
3. acceptance accuracy for M14 was 5.5" at 100 yards and was waivered continually as it could not meet that.
4. acceptance accuracy for M16 series is 4.5" at 100 yards.

From SAAMI we have a recommendation of 3" at 100 yards and it is up to the vendor whether he wants to meet this or not.


A real problem I had with the A3 was getting the rear sight to be dead center at 100 yards, as I primarily shot the thing in 100 and 200 yard matches. You can buy a taller front if need be. Also, the A3 sight has a habit of sliding down if the spring is not tight against the base. The A3 sight is better than the 03 sight in my opinion, for target shooting. Never did well with an 03 even though I have the P.J O'Hare adjustment tool.

Let's see some groups...

[F4E Phantom]

Thanks for the information Slamfire

[bubbapug1]

I was lucky enough to get an A3 still drenched in cosmoline rebuilt in Ogden and inspected and stamped by Elmer Keith. Shoots as well as a Tikka tactical 308. Very good accurate guns with great Iron sights.

[Spyder]

I have a fantastic 03a3, and a fantastic 1917, and a sporterized early 03 that has some funky rear sight dovetailed on the rear of the bolt, that I have yet to do any real shooting with.

This motivates me to get them out and tinker.

[Mustang]

I've had pretty good luck with GI barrels that are in good shape.

I bought a RI 1903 with a Sedgeley GI barrel to convert to a 1903A1 CMP vintage sniper rifle. Barrel was in great shape.



I mounted a Malcolm repro 8x scope on the rifle, but had some problems with the scope holding zero. I finally fired 5, using the iron sights, to see if it was the rifle. I got a fine group, proving the barrel and rifle were good.

@75 yards

[mj1]

I don't have a gauge but my '43 stops an M2 bullet just where the ogive starts.

[saki302]

I'd go with the military barrel.

I compared a 2 and 4 groove 03a3.

The 4 groove shot better with 168gr, the 2 groove with 150gr. But 168gr was splitting hairs, both were 1.5 MOA with me shooting it. Which is about my limit with irons.

My 1903 will outshoot them both with 168gr, but it could just be the sights.

This is the last time I shot the 4 groove 03a3 at 50 yards. Not my best day but not terrible. 5 shots.