Santa Fe 1903A3 Questions

[7.62x63mmUS]

My dad and I got a deal on 5 rifles site unseen that a friend was selling off for cheap. 4 are good C&R military rifles I have no qualms about the other is a Santa Fe 1903A3 that had been sporterized and scope mounts added. After doing some quick checking on the internet it seems Santa Fe receivers were made of questionable steel and all made post WWII. Several forums mention receiver failures and a few injuries. Is there any more detailed data available or are all Santa Fe receivers questionable and therefore junk?

[pro-nra]

If I was you, I will not only walk away from the deal but run as fast and as far as you can. Santa Fe along with Federal Ordnance have brittle receivers. I believe they are made of some kind of cheap casting unlike the USGI from RA or SC which are forged. They have been know to blow up in your face so not worth but a wall hanger or just the parts on it and not a shooter IMO.

In addition IIRC, these are new manufactured therefore not C&R eligible. The buyer and the seller could break state law for FTF without DROSing the rifle. Be careful.

[7.62x63mmUS]

Good to know thanks! I will be running!