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I’m interested in getting a 1903A3 for semi serious CMP/Highpower matches.
I got my eye on two listed on Gunbroker. One is a 1943 arsenal rebuild. The other is a completely new build using GI receiver and bolt with Criterion barrel. I just can’t make up my mind.
I would go for the arsenal rebuild. It may have some additional value to a collector
in the future. The mixmaster will be only a shooter in the future.
Are there rules regarding using new parts V/S military parts? If so...
I think the CMP HP match rules for an 03 would be the CMP Match Rifle section of the rule book. Everything else is M16-M14-M1 Garand that I can find:
4.1.5 CMP Match Rifle. A rifle that complies with this rule may be used in CMP sanctioned matches when authorized by the match program. Match sponsors may divide sanctioned match competitors into two categories for a) Service and Alternative Rifles and b) Match Rifles. a)Cartridge. May be chambered for any cartridge not exceeding .308” in diameter and not less than .224” in diameter.b)Action. May be semi-automatic or manually operated magazine-fed repeater actions, except that match rifles used inprone only orLong-RangeMatches (Rule 6.10) may be single shot rifles.c)Barrel. Barrels may not have compensators, muzzle brakes or sound suppressors.d)Trigger. Unlimited, but rifles with triggers that will not remain cocked under common competition conditions are not permitted.e)Weight. Weight is unlimited.
37f)Magazine. Must have a magazine capacity of not less than 5 rounds and not more than twenty (20) rounds, except that rifles used inprone only or Long-Range Matches (Rule 6.10) may be single shot rifles and are not required to have magazines.Magazines may be internal or detachable.g)Sights. Sights may be metallic or optical. Optical sights may be of any magnification, either fixed or variable. If the Match Program requires the use of metallic (“iron”) sights for a specific event, only metallic sights may be used when firing that event.h)Accessories. Adjustable cheek-pieces and butt-plates are permitted. Butt-plates may have a curved rear surface, but the depth of the curve,as measured from a straight line from the top to the bottom of the butt-plate may not exceed 0.5inches. Hook butt-plates and palm-rests are prohibited/
Here's the entire rulebook from 2018 anyway.
For serious competition, you would want 1903A3 with a C stock on it. Add a rare checkered butt plate for grip to your coat. That puts it in a mixmaster category.
Gunbroker prices for some collector firearms are insane right now, 25-50% more than 6 months ago. I am considering selling a few of my 03A3’s while the market is good.
The only Club that has a requirement to be AS ISSUED or USGI is the Cast Bullet Association. Their reasoning is that new production (Criterion, Douglas etc.) are made to much higher tolerances than the issue and government replacement barrels were. In CMP the Criterion is perfectly legal. Value is a relative thing. The number of old military rifles is pretty much fixed if not going down. Maybe there are 0.1% that were sporters and "Bubba" adjusted that are being restored. That however begins to use up the also limited supply of original spare parts. Guns as investments are good and like all things financial, timing is everything. I don't see any real reason to think prices are going to crash. If there is a big push to eliminate some or all guns in the USA, who knows what will happen with prices. My M1903a3 is in the refurbished sporter category. It shoots fine, but the scope mount holes pretty much sent it down to second tier status. You will probably get more than you paid for it regardless of its provenance. Just some will make more than others. Hope you get what you want.
Dave