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You have to educate yourself - pick up a couple of books on the subject - and keep your eyes open. M1903A3s in correct condition aren't that hard to locate. Correct LN M1903s are much more uncommon and much more expensive, as a rule. Occasionally, you can hit it big at a gunshow. I had acquaintance who found a nice 1915 NRA Sales M1903 at a small gunshow for a whopping $800 - about 25-33% of their true worth. I bought it from him, and lets just say I paid a little more! :D
Also, check Gunbroker and AuctionArms - although you have a lot of competition, I've found some excellent deals by just being persistent.
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Hi Windage,
Welcome to the forum. I understand your excitement as I feel the same about 1903's. I'm concerned a little because from your description it definitely sounds as if the rifle you are about to purchase just may not be what you really want. In your first post you said you wanted a 1903 in military configuration. From your description it sounds like a rifle that a civilian owner has put together from a variety parts. It's very uncommon to have an 1903 barrel installed on a 1903A3. Also from what you said the barrel is polished and blued. If it has been, the value of the barrel, even as a part by itself has been greatly diminished.
Would it be possible for you to take photos of the rifle? My concern is for you not to be too disappointed after you become more familiar with 1903's. I made a big mistake on the first one I bought and it was a little painful.
I have been hesitant to reply and I hope you take this as only being concerned. There's seldom a need to rush when it comes to buying guns, and I've been the worse one out there to get excited and jump too quickly. ($$$)
~ Harlan
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Thanks for all the tips fellows. I have done some looking around and I am starting to think I could find a better deal on an 03a3 with the right barrel. The one I've been talking about is a great looking rifle, but if I can find a better one for the same price ($850) I would sure be happy.
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Even without seeing the rifle, $850 seems a little high. Keep your eye out, the deals are still out there.
An '03 barrel on an A3 is seldom seen, but it is certainly easier to convert an '03 barrel for A3 use than vice versa, in military configuration, that is.
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I was wondering if you guys think that barrel dated 9-18 SA with the flaming bomb should be safe to shoot with regular modern 150 gr hunting ammo (no Hornady light magnums or hot loads). It looks like it's in great condition with bright rifling, no pitting, is pin straight, and has a dull finish on the outside with no rust. The front site has the hood with the flaming bomb on it as well, just for the added info. Just wondering what your thoughts are on that because if I did get it I would hunt with it. I know about the heat treating problems that took place early on with some of the low number 1903's (up to about 800'000 roughly), but I can't recall the date it was fixed or if it affected barrels as well as receivers. Many thanks.
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The whole rifle sounds like Rube Goldberg put it together. Have you gotten it out of the stock? I just what to know if this is a Drill Rifle?
