The gun I am thinking about is a Remington in the high 3 million serial no. Action is very smooth. Recoil lugs are pins not bolts.
What should I be looking for and asking the seller?
This will be for occasional casual shooting at 100 yards and I have no plans to launch any grenades.
I like them . Don't shoot them as much as my Garands and full autos , but I perfer them over the 1917s and '03s ( esp. now as my eyesight is fading ) .
Chris
Look for grease stains on the stock. The "Greek return" rifles sold by CMP were often soaked in grease; if so, the wood will eventually weep grease when hot. No way to get all the grease out.
Neal
Are you saying that the stock has pins and not reinforcing bolts? I've read from other posts that the pinned stocks don't hold up as well under heavy use but maybe that really applies more to military use and not casual target shooting.
john
Pinned stock is gtg for casual shooting. A Greek return may have the last 4 of the serial number EP'd to the bolt handle. A letter stamped on the floor plate and the last four on the butt stock.
Nice shooter grade 03a3's should be around 6-700 and collector grade 1k or more. Decide what style stock you want, you can find them a C stocks and scant stocks. Most all have been through one or more re-arsenals so parts can be miss-matched. Expect 2-3moa with surplus ammo and iron sights.
Mine was unused post refurb and easily shoots 2 inch groups at 100. I find the peep style rear sight easier to use than that on P14/Model 1917, Lee Enfield, etc, because there are no protector wings intruding in the view- just a nice open circle and fairly fine blade front. Bedding is important and you should see the barrel lifting off the front tip of the forend with a few pounds pressure. Great shooter!
Ridolpho