AIM Surplus - 03A3

[ppknut]

This is why I posted this in the first place. I was looking for reasonable opinions and whether anyone had ever seen one, or knew particulars about these pieces.

So far, the answer is no. No one has any first hand experience or knowledge of these pieces. But opinions have been provided. I appreciate the input. I don't have a long history of purchasing used rifles, so I have limited ability to critically judge. Nonetheless, I would like another 03A3. I'm not interested in becoming an expert in evaluating such pieces, just enjoying the shooting.

I'm not someone who will buy,sight unseen, a $600 "original" from an auction or online dealer. I've generally got to touch an item to consider buying. Unfortunately, the only ones on the shelves hearabouts are $1,200 and up, which seems over the top for run-of-the mill originals.

These things just don't come that cheap where I live.

[Arisaka99]

I would be happy to give you my opinion on any auction rifle that catches your eye. Send the link in a PM. Not an "expert", but generally know what I am looking at. Funnest post was on the CSP board last year when one of the RARE original limited production 1903-A3 match rifles (the production run started and was halted when officials including Brophy pointed out they would not work) was listed on Guns America. Sadly, I was too late to be first in line on that one.

[Calif-Steve]

I just saw a REAL USMC '03 at the range Saturday for $450.00. Older shooter in poor health needs to clean out the gun safe. I'll send off a telephone to interested guys, Please, no dealers.

[blackonblack2007]

I purchased one of these AIM '03-A3 rifles last month. It is a high serial Smith-Corona and with the exception of the repro stock cracking behind the receiver tang I am perfectly happy with it (AIM is fixing it now, no charge). Shoots straight and the quality of refurbishment is good. I wanted to buy a gun to shoot not look at and that's what I got. The barrel is an RA dated 5-43, and is in perfect condition, bright bore, no pitting.

[tylerjames]

I picked one up from Atlantic firearms really nice has GI unissued barrel Rem Barrel and receiver. The stock in new walnut C type with correct stamps. The gun shoots great and is $750.00. My only complaint is that the trigger guard, barrel bands are new stamped and the finish is a funky color. The Butt plate is also this color but refinished original. I bought it to shoot and with a new unissued barrel it shoots great. I had a guy try to sell me the same rifle for over $750 I liked it then found out where he got it and bought my own instead of the one he had already shot.

[Calif-Steve]

Barrel bands are new??? Chinese made barrel bands to go along with an Italian stock and a drill rifle receiver. Lord love a duck!

[OGR]

I called Gibbs and the reivers are surplus, the barrels are made in Italy, the scope in China, the stock is "hardwood".

[The Lemming]

Went to look at these, looks like the price has gone up since the thread started, now $999

http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/U...06_Rifles.html

Also noticed there are an FJA and Ord Wheel on the new stock.

-Mike