M1903A3 Purchase, Opinions?

[MilSurpFan]

Hi All,
I just purchased an 03A3 a the LGS. Not sure whether it was a good decision or not. It's still in Ca. Waiting Period, so no pix. But here's some descriptions and questions. Did I do good or bad? (I know, hard to tell without talking price.)

I've wanted an 03 for a while, but not real versed in them. Prices have kept me away mostly. In this case it's an A3... my second choice really.

1) It's Remington. Serial Number looks like Jan. 44

2) Barrel date is 10-43. I'm assuming that makes sense since it's before the date associated with the serial #? (4,158,xxx)

3) All the parts are marked "R". So that seems good, even though A3's had outsourced parts. At least they are likely to be this rifle's outsourced parts, LOL!

4) Two Groove Rifling. This baffled me somewhat. It has what I'd call two narrow lands... it was more groove than land, or so I thought. My reading seems to say I should have expected the opposite... more land? In any event it was bright and sharp. Hopefully a shooter.

5) The wood has been sanded and refinished. Cartouches are almost unreadable but seem to be "circle P" an FJA, if I recall correctly. Niether I nor the dealer could make out a re-arsenal mark. But it was sanded, so hard to say.

6) The receiver and barrel are parked and slightly green. Most other parts are blued.

So all in all, a good looking rifle. I'm wondering, given the age these rifles. Should I be worried about the sanded stock? I didn't try to use it as leverage to drop the price. Just decided I wanted it and went for it. So, no doubt I over paid.

So... should I have kept looking for a more "correct" version or waited for a plain 03 to cross my path?

My impression is it's getting very hard to find "correct" examples. But not all sure. Also not sure how much better the basic 03 is.

For me it came down to, it seemed to fit me right (first peep sighted rifle that the sights seemed to be in the right place for me) seemed to be in good shape, and I liked it.

But, buying things I "like" has occasionally been a mistake. LOL!

P.S. What sort of markdown do you think the sanded and refinished stock is worth?

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[Rick the Librarian]

Very late Remington M1903A3s are often found in original condition because they received very little (if any) use before being put into storage. A two-groove barrel is correct and as a rule, show little or no accuracy difference from a four groove.

Until a relatively short time ago, inspection markings on a stock were seen as a "liability" and were often sanded off. A correct stock of a rifle of that "vintage" should have an FJA and an RA, as well as the "circled P" you mentioned.

Can I ask what you paid for it?

[NRA]

well ................. without any pictures and you telling no price it is a waste of time for everyone. a picture is worth a thousand guesses.

[MilSurpFan]

Not really a waste. Anything I can learn is good stuff.

The main questions really really revolve around few things.

1) How much value loss due to refinishing the stock.

The exact price isn't really important. It's more, "How much of a hit did I accept if I have to sell in the future?"

2) What's typical of there rifles? Are enough around in "correct" shape that I should've waited? (I'm not strictly a collector, but if "correct" examples are more plentiful that I believe... may well have waited. "Correct" beats even a good "Bubba" job, in my book.)

Unfortunately, I can't photo it at the moment. It's got to get through both 30 day wait for private rifle consigned in Ca. and then the 10 wait for me. You know how Ca. is.

I walked into the store to do the paperwork on a different gun, and it just happened to be on the rack. I decided to pony up the $$$ and wait.

I suppose I could take a camera down to the store, but I'd have to buy a portable one. I'm afraid I'm not up to current toys yet, no cell phone with camera for me.

Guess I should break down and buy one, but more aggravation and expense than I'd like for something I really don't want (a digital leash, with batteries no less... LOL!)

---------- Post added at 06:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:08 PM ----------

Very late Remington M1903A3s are often found in original condition because they received very little (if any) use before being put into storage. A two-groove barrel is correct and as a rule, show little or no accuracy difference from a four groove.

Until a relatively short time ago, inspection markings on a stock were seen as a "liability" and were often sanded off. A correct stock of a rifle of that "vintage" should have an FJA and an RA, as well as the "circled P" you mentioned.

Can I ask what you paid for it?

---------- Post added at 06:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:03 PM ----------

@Rick The Librarian - Who considered the markings a liability? Was this something civilians were doing?

Geez, I'd have never done that myself. I'm 51, have been shooting since I was a kid. Got away from it for a long time... but can't recall period where I thought... "Geez, I just have to get those stamps off the rifle..."

I dunno, it's sort of like, prying all the Chevy or Ford markings off a muscle car.

Other than the refinish it almost what I'd call pristine. Just some light scratchs on the floor plate.

I paid about $800, which I thought was high. But I really didn't want to go through the BS of the dealer calling the consignee, hangling third hand and all. So I just said, take the money, take off the floor and hold it until the wait periods are over. So I'd say I definitely over paid.

Then again, everything gun related here in SoCal seems over priced. Life in this respect was easier back in the days of cash and carry. And I was in another state altogether.

[Dad]

Welcome to the forum!
Considering what good M1903A3s are going for in California (specially in my part of it), I don't think you overpaid if the rifle is as you described.
I paid slightly less for mine, but the original stock was cracked at the tang and had to be replaced. The seller gave me a very nice scant stock and that is what the rifle is wearing now.
I did save the original stock just in case....
Eventually I will try to hunt down a replacement "correct" stock for it.
Mine is an all Remington in the 4064XXX serial number range with a 9-43 two groove barrel.
Here is a pic.
Attachment 47390

D.

[WarPig1976]

When you say refinished,,,, Is it glossy, I mean really glossy?? Please say no!!

Sounds ok except for the stock, I mean it hasn't been sportorized or anything. I think I paid $525 or $575 anyway it was under $600 but mine had a crack wrist which extended halfway threw the butt, a crack on the side @ the receiver ring, bent front and rear sights. I was forced to refinish it after repairs, I did it right and don't give a hoot how much it reduced resale value. This is my rifle, there are many like it but this one is mine......

Relax, sounds like a little buyers remorse, you wanted it, you got, now enjoy it...

[MilSurpFan]

Welcome to the forum!
Considering what good M1903A3s are going for in California (specially in my part of it), I don't think you overpaid if the rifle is as you described.
I paid slightly less for mine, but the original stock was cracked at the tang and had to be replaced. The seller gave me a very nice scant stock and that is what the rifle is wearing now.
I did save the original stock just in case....
Eventually I will try to hunt down a replacement "correct" stock for it.
Mine is an all Remington in the 4064XXX serial number range with a 9-43 two groove barrel.
Here is a pic.
Attachment 47390

D.

How do you like that scant stock?

Mine is straight, and that's what I really wanted. I like those, but haven't handle a scant stock either.

First time I handled a Savage 110 (really have been a handgun guy most of my life), I change my mind about pistol grips. That said, most of my rifles in the past did have the usual pistol grip. (Traditional pistol grip, not M16 style.)

[MilSurpFan]

When you say refinished,,,, Is it glossy, I mean really glossy?? Please say no!!

Sounds ok except for the stock, I mean it hasn't been sportorized or anything. I think I paid $525 or $575 anyway it was under $600 but mine had a crack wrist which extended halfway threw the butt, a crack on the side @ the receiver ring, bent front and rear sights. I was forced to refinish it after repairs, I did it right and don't give a hoot how much it reduced resale value. This is my rifle, there are many like it but this one is mine......

Relax, sounds like a little buyers remorse, you wanted it, you got, now enjoy it...

So how's your reworked rifle shootin'? Sounds like it took some work to set it straight. Wish I had the space and facilities for that.

Definitely a little buyer's remorse. Still want an M1A or an M1 Garand too, LOL!. Had a Garand years ago, kinda miss it.

No it's not shiny-like-urethane, glasslike refinish. Seems to be some sort of oil. But still thicker than whats on say, my Yugo M48.

I don't think it's like Tru-Oil. I did an Argentine Mauser in that as a kid at the urging of my father, and it was definitely a layer of transparent stuff... not like that at all.

To be honest, I like the imperviousness of finishes like urethane. But that wouldn't be the least big period correct here.

My intent is to clean it well, then give it some raw linseed, like the TM manual for it talks about. And then, I guess it's going to be my well cared for field rifle. I had acquired a stainless M77 a while back, but really wanted one of these.

I have to say, I've come to like the synthetic + stainless thing for it's sheer imperviousness to the elements and it's "scrub-ability" if you will. It's rather like a kitchen utensil in that respect.

But it has all the "ambience" of kitchen utensil too, LOL!

Resale value is a concern like mentioned above... if and only if I had to sell. Hopefully I won't get to place like that. (Have been there in the past, to be sure.) But, as measure of "How dumb was I?"... it's still useful.

The idea was to have a personal #1 rifle in 30-06.

(Though I have to admit, being a bullet caster, I'm beginning to see lots of merit in a Marlin Guide Gun or 1886 Winchester in 45-70.)

[Dad]

How do you like that scant stock?

Mine is straight, and that's what I really wanted. I like those, but haven't handle a scant stock either.

First time I handled a Savage 110 (really have been a handgun guy most of my life), I change my mind about pistol grips. That said, most of my rifles in the past did have the usual pistol grip. (Traditional pistol grip, not M16 style.)

The scant stock, on the rifle, now is actually more comfortable to shoot than the straight stock that is on my M1903.
I did repair the crack on the original straight stock for the '03A3, but I decided to store it for now.

D.

[WarPig1976]

Rifle shoots good..

Good at least it's not Bubba Goo on there. I hear ya on the Poly, looks best on sporters.