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I've been looking for a US M1903A3 .30-06 for quite some time, with various rifles either not being in my price range or not quite what I was looking for.
Several days ago I found what looked like a great rifle with a fair price at Gunbroker. The listing had no bids which was strange considering the reasonable price for such a nice gun with a mint bore. The guys description was long and thorough, but at the end he mentioned not " providing for an inspection period nor return privilage". His description included many details about the rifle, pictures and even references [ I actually called both of his references, one didn't know him
, the other spoke warmly of the guy and said he was reputable. ]. All in all the whole package looked great, but no amount of cajoling or explaining my position would budge this guy on the inspection/ return thing. As he explained it he had problems with some unscrupulous individuals 'upgrading' their rifles by swapping parts and then returning the rifle for refund . I admit I'd never heard of that one but oh well.... I mentioned to him that with an '03 Springfield it wouldn't be difficult to affirm whether or not the rifle was returned in its original state after examination, and that no refund should be issued until inspection was concluded. That is IF the gun didn't match up in person.
The guy would not budge. It became clear that if I wanted to see this gun I'd have to gamble on this guys' honesty. All my alarm bells were ringing, yet the guy seemed honest and straight forward. Then he sent another email with a picture of that days newspaper [for the date] and the rifle in the same picture to confirm that he indeed had the gun.
To make a long story even longer I swallowed hard and sent the guy payment in full [ using his Buy It Now, which ws STILL low ], knowing if it was a dud I had no recourse, at least by his listing terms.
Well I got the rifle today, pictures are below. In short it exceeded my expectations, being in better condition than his pictures showed and his text description led me to believe . He shipped it exactly as he said he would, and the condition of the gun is excellent, about 97% .
Is there an object lesson here, or did I just get lucky ? For those who are naturally suspicious [ like I am] I'm happy to report I found not only a great '03A3 but at least one honest man.
Enjoy the pics, range report to follow once I get a chance to shoot .
Several days ago I found what looked like a great rifle with a fair price at Gunbroker. The listing had no bids which was strange considering the reasonable price for such a nice gun with a mint bore. The guys description was long and thorough, but at the end he mentioned not " providing for an inspection period nor return privilage". His description included many details about the rifle, pictures and even references [ I actually called both of his references, one didn't know him
, the other spoke warmly of the guy and said he was reputable. ]. All in all the whole package looked great, but no amount of cajoling or explaining my position would budge this guy on the inspection/ return thing. As he explained it he had problems with some unscrupulous individuals 'upgrading' their rifles by swapping parts and then returning the rifle for refund . I admit I'd never heard of that one but oh well.... I mentioned to him that with an '03 Springfield it wouldn't be difficult to affirm whether or not the rifle was returned in its original state after examination, and that no refund should be issued until inspection was concluded. That is IF the gun didn't match up in person.The guy would not budge. It became clear that if I wanted to see this gun I'd have to gamble on this guys' honesty. All my alarm bells were ringing, yet the guy seemed honest and straight forward. Then he sent another email with a picture of that days newspaper [for the date] and the rifle in the same picture to confirm that he indeed had the gun.
To make a long story even longer I swallowed hard and sent the guy payment in full [ using his Buy It Now, which ws STILL low ], knowing if it was a dud I had no recourse, at least by his listing terms.
Well I got the rifle today, pictures are below. In short it exceeded my expectations, being in better condition than his pictures showed and his text description led me to believe . He shipped it exactly as he said he would, and the condition of the gun is excellent, about 97% .
Is there an object lesson here, or did I just get lucky ? For those who are naturally suspicious [ like I am] I'm happy to report I found not only a great '03A3 but at least one honest man.
Enjoy the pics, range report to follow once I get a chance to shoot .
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