A lil' help on Win Mod 1903

[Bullcoop]

I was just given a immaculate Model 1903.
I'm really torn on what to do with the rifle. I dont know anything about them other than what I've read in the past 2 hours. Here are my main questions.

I'm assuming to take down the rifle you use the "take-down screw" in the back, but is there anything I should know before doing so, like "there is a small spring..." or "be careful not to...when taking it apart"

I plan on cleaning it up a little, the stock, barrel, reciever is all about 90% but there is a small bit of rust on the trigger gaurd and the buttplate, any suggs on the best way to remove it? I'm sticking with the rule of "do no harm" so I just wanna remove any active corrosion and stop, but then what do I use to prevent the rust from A)re-occuring and B)starting somewhere else?

Is there a market for these rifles? I know they were made from 1903 to 1932 and only 125,000 or so were made, but shoot a dated round thats somewhat expensive. It holds no sentimental value but on the other hand I'm somewhat of a collector as well as a shooter, so it might be worth keeping.

Any suggs or help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks BC

[OpticsPlanet]

Great little automatic.... but, be advised that this gun was not chambered for the .22lr, but a special .22 caliber cartridge (Winchester Automatic Rimfire). It was the predecessor to the .22lr, and Winchester soon introduced their Model 63 which chambered the new .22lr.

Here's a little article:

http://homesteadfirearms.com/appraisals/winchester/1903/

George P.

[general_disarray_prk]

Short version - it has more collector value than practical value.
I wouldn't mess with it for fear of lowering the value.
Clean the bore and sell it to a collector -

[Nite100]

Ammo is hard to come by & expensive. Run a quick search on gunbroker to give you an idea.

[NorCalDustin]

My suggestion would be to take it to a really good/experienced Gunsmith. This is the kind of gun that is easily damaged if your not experienced. That combined with the fact that extra parts are hard to come by...

Ammo is hard to come by & expensive. Run a quick search on gunbroker to give you an idea.

Yup...