? About first 1903 purchase

[carwashchris]

I think I missed the BOAT. I was at the OGCA here in Ohio on Sunday and was looking for Carbine parts and had all my books all cheat sheets so I knew what I was looking at. And then I came across a SC 3.700,XXX barrel date 4-43 marked SC with flamming bomb it measured 1.5 at the muzzel. The price was $700.00 marked down to $625.00 last day of the show. The down side, the stock had been sanded COMPLETELY it was done very well they said they could still see the FJA on the stock in the right light but I couldn't, on the bottom in front of the trigger guard there were some markings one was a triangle and there was a P on the grip. I was by myself the show was winding down and I had none of my 03 A3 chet sheets with me. I looked at it 3 times and then passed ! Now I'm back home doing some research and I'm thinking I missed a great opportunity. What say you ???

Thanks Chris

[Fred G.]

The stock was sanded of its original surface. It doesn't matter how pretty it might've looked, the collectors value had been drastically reduced. Wonder why nobody bought it? It had been screwed with and its value as an original untouched specimen had been destyroyed. Could you find another stock? Sure, but it'd still be a Replacement stock and would never again be worth the collector value that it held before someone decided to "improve it".

[carwashchris]

Thanks Fred : I was thinking along the same lines, guess that's why I walked. I've got to stop second guessing myself and move on. Out of curiousity wouldn't a barreled receiver alone be worth the asking price of $625. ?

Chris

[Fred G.]

No, I can't see how it would. But then I can't see why anyone would want a 1903A3 rifle with all of its stamped sheet metal parts. I just don't like them. I never have. Some guys prefer the 1903A3's rear sight over the M-1906 type sight because they can more easily use them. I don't like cheaply made rifles that have stamped sheet metal parts and spot welded trigger guards. If everyone else in the 1903 collectors world unanimously agreed that the 1903A3 rifle was the ultimate rifle to obtain, I'd still not buy one. I just don't find them to be an interesting or attractive rifle.
I guess that's a good thing for those that do because it means one less person out there competing with them to obtain a 1903A3. But then, I don't know why people enjoy drinking very dry, nasty tasting wine.

[pickax]

The S/C at the show sounded like a great shooter at a good price. As consolation, the stock was most likely a Remington with the triangle sub stamp, S/C has a diamond sub stamp.
A loose S/C stock is an expensive and scarce item. The rifle was probably rebuilt with mixed parts. A replacement C stock would have made that your new favorite shooter.
A3s are rugged and reliable, despite the reduced machining, but I agree the 03 is a work of art.
So, as said before, it's all what you want from an '03 type. Bet you end up with several, enjoy!

[carwashchris]

I'm still learning, and need to pick up a book with all the I'ds ect. I have Carbines and a Rem. 1917 but want to add a 1903 and a M1 GR to my collection. I knew the SC's were rare and that's what caught my attention. Because I want to be able to shoot what I buy, I have stayed away from the 1903's because of the lack of heat treating. There's a pawn shop near by that has a 5 didgit springfield but I understand that it could be trouble.

Thanks again Chris

[Fred G.]

Well there are a lot of very collectable and inexpensive 1903's on the market that have safe receivers. I see them every day on Gun Broker and occasionally one can find a sleeper that is all original and unmolested and is also in pristine shape. Not very often, but if one keeps looking every day, they'll show up. The trick is to come across one that nobody else has recognized yet and have it be priced low with a Buy It Now. It happens.

[supercub]

There are collectables in both 03's and A3's, then there are shooters in both as well. Most collectables of either one won't be shot much or most likely, not at all. I think you have to ask yourself just how much you want to experience the gun. Some will be happy to admire, handle and fondle that pristine collector, others will want to take it to the next level and enjoy shooting it. In the long run if you're passionate about it, you will end up with some and some, collectables and shooters.
The A3's of all flavors have a foot in the past and the future, they are affordable, shootable and safe. There are high numbered 03's as well but not for everyone due to the sight arrangement. One of my favorites I have is an 03 Remington "transition' with the original barrel sight sleeve and a Lyman 48 rear sight as well. It's got that feel of the old and a choice on sights. Not collectable or original but a fun gun to shoot as well as look at.

Go for an SC and expand from there, just remember, buy the biggest safe you can.

Kurt

[Jason60chev]

I, too, prefer the early '03s....especially the C stocked 1903A1s. Of the 18 1903 rifles I own, only 1 is an '03A3...a rebuild, but looks like it has never been handled nor fired since. Have an 404xxx Rock Island, an all correct MkI, a documented USMC rifle with Sedgley barrel, an SRS documented 1932 NM rifle (BEAUTIFUL!), a USMC Sniper clone and 1 each matching serial number/barrel date from 1929 - 1940...except I need a 1934. I absolutely adore the M1903A1 rifle. I think it is the best looking and best shooting shoulder weapon ever made.