AIM Surplus - 03A3

I was following the thread about the A4 repros and wondered about the 03A3 that AIM advertises. The add states:

"Original US manufactured model M1903A3 Springfield 30.06 caliber bolt action rifles. These beautiful rifles have been professionally restored and refinished. They feature original, unissued US barrels and new Military Spec. walnut stocks."

Does anyone know about these pieces? They make it sound like the barrels are not Gibbs (or?), but rather original barrels mated to original receivers, with a new stock.

Does anyone know anything regarding these 03A3's. I wanna shoot the hell out of an 03 A3 and thought: better to use one of these than my old original (1942 Rem).

Thanks for any input
-ppknut

I have not examined one of these rifles, but would not be surprised if they didn't have original WWII production barrels.

The WWII barrels were around for nearly 50 years, selling for as little as $2 each when I started with milsurp rifles in the early 60's. They have increased over the years as scarcity made them harder to find. The most recent ones have sold well north of $150 each for new, in wrap originals. The last I bought from AIM Surplus were $50 each some years ago. I am glad I did buy more than one, but suspect that AIM might have saved some for just such a project. A few cases would go a long way as I believe they were packed 24 to a sealed carton.

I don't know any of this for sure, but I guess Gibbs could have been making new barrels for these rifles.

What are they selling for, if you don't mind my asking?
:runaway:

$799.95

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

I wonder where the receivers came from?

As do I

There are more then just a few Drill Rifles floating around. The last pile I saw were stripped barreled receivers. Cheap, too. Under $10.00 a pop. Rumor has it they went out as trade items for '03 bolts.

You can get a nice original Remington 03A3 for $600 on the auction sites. Not sure why someone would pay $800 for one they can't see?

I can't "see" the ones on the auction sites either. IMO, a drawback to buying such items. I've canvassed all the local shops and there's nothing worth the effort.

If as advertised, they are new ("unissued") US original barrels and original receivers, I'm not so sure that $800 isn't reasonable.

OK... I'll say it. $800 for a restored and refinished parts gun? This is a slightly cheaper version of a Miltech: something sold to folks who don't do any comparative shopping or research. No history beyond this year. The stock is a repro.

The supply of less expensive originals that are both collectable and excellent shooters is far too plentiful for this to even be a consideration in my opinion. I can pull up any number of auctions where an arsenal original Remington in 90% or better sold for less. To each their own and this is only my opinion. Perhaps $800 for one that was match tuned for the competition crowd would be different; this is not what I read in the ad.

There will always be certain number of buyers who will react to the word "NEW" when placed in an ad, whether it be true or not, in all or part.

There is no way to explain the willingness to spend money on an item that is "NEW" except to say that some don't trust their ability judge a good used item that is original and correct. The same phenomenon has produced such businesses Carmax and such inane ideas as "buyer warranties" that bring in millions to protect buyers from the scoundrels that would take your money and sell you something fake or defective.

While may do exactly that, the vast majority of sellers are simply moving goods when they need money. The trick, I suppose, is to be able to tell the difference.
:beerchug:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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