1903 (future) Purchase

[DennisCA]

In the near future I want to purchase a 1903, prob a a3. (I would love a a4 but that cost and avail is beyond my reach) What is a desirable manufacture, I'm assuming a Springfield is the one I want to purchase.
I want something that's has the "been there - done that" look but too beat up. I want a shooter not a wall-hanger.
So what's the cost I'll be looking at and where's a good to place to buy one?

You input is appreciated!

[TheExpertish]

I've seen a few on here. Mine is a Remington A3. I think bruce was selling his for around $550 which is about what you can expect.

[GOEX FFF]

For a nicely used 03-A3, Id keep your eyes on the auction sites http://www.gunbroker.com/ http://www.Auctionarms.com for the right used look you're looking for. You'll have much more of a selection to choose from for the condition you want that way.

Also check out the closed/completed auctions for 03-A3's, that will give you a general idea of what to expect to pay. They can be anywhere from $400-$1000 bucks.

[littlejake]

You'll find most 03-A3's are made by Remington. The A3 was in production during WWII. Marines fought Guadalcanal with these bolt guns as the Corps had not adopted the Garand yet.

Main difference for an A3 is the sight is position to the rear of the receiver; and many A3's have a "C" stock instead of the "S" (Scant) stock.

A nice A3 can be pricy. Here's an example of an especially fine one that I bid out; but it got too rich for me -- went for $700 with a lot of bidding in the last hour.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=269014620

[TheExpertish]

You'll find most 03-A3's are made by Remington. The A3 was in production during WWII. Marines fought Guadalcanal with these bolt guns as the Corps had not adopted the Garand yet.

Main difference for an A3 is the sight is position to the rear of the receiver; and many A3's have a "C" stock instead of the "S" (Scant) stock.

A nice A3 can be pricy. Here's an example of an especially fine one that I bid out; but it got too rich for me -- went for $700 with a lot of bidding in the last hour.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=269014620

Out of curiosity do you have something illustrating the difference between the C and S stocks?

[Peter in CA]

Model 1903A3

Dennis,
Springfield did not make the Model 1903A3, only Remington and Smith-Corona during WWII.

Peter in CA

[littlejake]

Out of curiosity do you have something illustrating the difference between the C and S stocks?

Major difference is a slight pistol grip curvature to the C stock. The Garand is an example of a C stock.

This link is to an S stock at the CMP


This link is to an C stock at the CMP

[DennisCA]

Major difference is a slight pistol grip curvature to the C stock. The Garand is an example of a C stock.

This link is to an S stock at the CMP


This link is to an C stock at the CMP

Thanks to all for the info - I am looking for a c stock-type 1903 a3.

In my humble opinion they just look better

[littlejake]

Thanks to all for the info - I am looking for a c stock-type 1903 a3.

In my humble opinion they just look better

I do too. But, don't pass on a nice A3 with an S stock.

This one is an ugly duckling -- but it has history. It's a Vietnam capture. Charlie didn't mind giving it up. The sling was woven from elephant grass; and the stock contained a piece of parachute silk as a cleaning rag.

Look for that slight swing back on the bolt handle. If it's straight down, it might be an early SA single heat treated bolt; they are known to fail.

[Sunday]

The 1903s are my favorite bolt rifle.

[paratroop]

aimsurplus still has 03a3s in stock $795. they are a bit pricey, but man are they nice.

nevermind, not the beat up look you're looking for. definitly shooters though.

[TheExpertish]

Nice. Didn't realize mine is a C stock.

[Syntax Error]

03-A3s are very nice rifles, I personally enjoy the C-stock variations more, which is what my 03-A3 is.

[Jeff L]

If you want a shooter look for one with a low ME (muzzle erosion) number. Also avoid converted drill rifles. Looks for signs of a weld around the mag cut off. +1 on a C stock, more comfortable to shoot.