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  1. #1
    Legacy Member CaptSimon's Avatar
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    M1903 Finish question??

    Hello,

    I was thinking about bidding on this: Springfield 03A3 , 30-06 1903 : Bolt Action Rifles at GunBroker.com
    I was curious as to if the finish is original? Based on the pics is there anything i should be worried about? Any help is appreciated.
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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

  3. #2
    Legacy Member vintage hunter's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by CaptSimon View Post
    I was curious as to if the finish is original?
    Nope. Been re-blued by someone who didn't know what they was doing. Rounded edges and distorted lettering/numbering are a dead give away. Might make a descent shooter if bore is good. No collector value at all.
    Last edited by vintage hunter; 02-23-2015 at 08:16 PM.

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    Legacy Member Salt Flat's Avatar
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    In addition to what Vintage hunter wrote I will add that the stock is badly worn and cracked at the rear tang. The serial number is not readable. I would pass on this one. Salt Flat

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    Actually, I can read the serial number quite well. The rifle has definitely fallen on hard times. Probably a foreign M1903.
    People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.

    --George Orwell

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    Legacy Member Salt Flat's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Rick the Librarianicon View Post
    Actually, I can read the serial number quite well. The rifle has definitely fallen on hard times. Probably a foreign M1903.
    I guess I was looking at picture 6. The S/n in picture 5 shows much better. Salt Flat

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    Legacy Member CaptSimon's Avatar
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    Well I bid on it and won, and thanks to Rick the Librarianicon, I just got a 1919 National Match rifle.

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    In a manner of speaking ... it started out as one. It's like one of those Russianicon Grand Dukes, who, after the Russian Revolution, ended up living in a seedy hotel in the wrong side of Paris!

    (Sorry, I'm watching Downton Abbey!) LOL!!
    People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.

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    Legacy Member vintage hunter's Avatar
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    Well, good to know it has one redeeming feature at least. Poor little thing.

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    Legacy Member CaptSimon's Avatar
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    I wont know anymore utill its in my hands, however my dad bought and sold guns and I have for ~7 years and in my travels I've had fine looking rifles that had crap bores and broken/missing parts and horrific looking rifles which turned out to be excellent shooters , so it goes to show you cant judge a book by its cover.

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