U.S. issue 03a3

[223forfun]

found a surplus 03a3 under moms bed, has been there for 40 years that I know never out of the bag, matter of fact bag fell aprt when opened, all serial Number are correct it is a smith corona, looks like never even shot except by the factory, problem no stock, having a hard time trying to figure out what type , which one to put on it. sporter, tact,??? pull the iron sights, add a scope oh..... what to doany suggestions. 30 06 target , dear rifle, fancy sniper thing or a pretty paper weight??? HELP

[jaustin612]

pics?

[jak77]

pics?

[rojocorsa]

If you alter it, the gun will lose value*. I see that you mention it has no stock. I am sure you could either buy an actual 03A3 stock to put on there, or you could buy a modern one.

*One you drill and tap or otherwise modify the metal, I mean. Same goes for the stock, but you don't actually have one. In terms of collector value, when a gun has "matching" serial numbers that's always a good thing. (Except if it's from the liars over a Mitchell's Mausers, f* them!)

Don't hesitate to post up some pictures of this rifle. I can't think of anything cooler to just "find" like that. Maybe except for a fat stack of cash (which I'd use to buy guns anyway).

The 1903A3 is the American interpretation of the timeless Mauser action. One that sets it apart from its contemporaries, is that it still comes with a magazine cut-off. (You will see the switch for it on the left side of the receiver). Remember that this is a bolt action combat/battle rifle, just like the Mauser 98, SMLE, Mosin, etc. They are most likely not going to be "sniper rifle" accurate (unless you modify it and know what you are doing) but most of these guns are fairly accurate all things considered. They were after all, designed to shoot people.

That being said, it would make a fine hunting rifle. Maybe a little bit on the heavy side, but that didn't bother the Marines at Belleau Wood.

Not saying you have to do this, but I would try to find a proper stock to replace it and have it look like it was supposed to. I am sure that there are even modern made stocks done to look "traditional." Anyway, when finding a stock, the heavier the gun gets, the less recoil it will have. Remember that. And remember that if you permanently modify the metal (or other original parts), the gun will diminish in value.


Also, you may to ask more questions in out "Curio and Relic" section, where all of us C&R nerds hang out. (Well, I'm not a C&R nerd yet, but I'm getting there).

[tomd1584]

did you find any dust bunnies with it?

I couldnt imagine leaving anything under my bed for 40 years...

[rojocorsa]

Hopefully there was cosmoline on it...

[andrewj]

Tagged... waiting for pics

[Divernhunter]

Just remember. American made mil rifles do not have matching numbers like a mauser/jap etc. American rifles will have drawing numbers on the parts. Different companies serial number ranges would have specific drawing numbers for their manufactured rifle from the factory. That would be the difference between a rebuild and a "correct" rifle.

[Bhobbs]

If you drill and tap it you are ruining it. If you want a sporter rifle then buy one. Sell me the 03a3.

[Saigon1965]

Lets see the thing -

[Bentot]

Spend a little money to do it the right way. Send it to www.dgrguns.com

[Ledbetter]

I have two 03A3's. One I was lucky enough to find all original, the other I bought as a barrelled receiver.

I installed a no-drill scope mount and bedded the barrelled receiver into a 50% finished stock--I carved everthing in front of the buttstock myself. It's unbelievably accurate for a 70 year old rifle.

JUST SAY NO to drilling that receiver. You retain the option of restoring, but if you can't find an original stock, you're just making a reproduction.

In any event, you have a great piece of history--enjoy and shoot safe.

[mls343]

Don't bubba it. Leave her the way she is meant to be.

Show us some pics and maybe you have a winner? Original condition 03A3's are worth $$$ these days - especially Smith Corona's.

Just my $0.02

[Maddog5150]

found a surplus 03a3 under moms bed, has been there for 40 years that I know never out of the bag, matter of fact bag fell aprt when opened, all serial Number are correct it is a smith corona, looks like never even shot except by the factory, problem no stock, having a hard time trying to figure out what type , which one to put on it. sporter, tact,??? pull the iron sights, add a scope oh..... what to doany suggestions. 30 06 target , dear rifle, fancy sniper thing or a pretty paper weight??? HELP

.... Someone get a rope....

Buy an original style walnut stock and leave it alone. Its a battle rifle and treat it as such.

[MrPlink]

make it a bulpup ASAP. Its the wisest thing to do when you find an old gun





ok, seriously dont do that.

PIX!