Question: Value of NRA Marked M1903?

[dt1950]

Gentlemen: Depending on which reference book you pick up, an NRA '03 is either valued more or less than a comparable condition rifle. With the experience available in the forum, thought I would throw this question out for discussion. Regards, H.T.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Rick the Librarian]

I suppose if you want to get "technical" about it, an unmarked M1903 would be worth slightly more. Speaking for myself, I wouldn't turn away either variety. NRA Sales rifles form a large percentage of those original M1903s still in circulation.

[Emri]

If you are comparing NRA "sales" rifles against issue "service" rifles, then yes, the service rifle would be worth more than the sales rifle if both were in EQUAL condition and original "as manufactured". The sales rifles were civilian owned and tend to be in better condition because they didn't see any hard use by the military. Hence Rick's statement that they make up the majority of "original" rifles available. Service rifles were used almost daily and saw considerable wear. To find a service rifle in original "as manufactured" condition is indeed a rarity as most went through overhauls, re-builds, or batch maintainance.

The other side of your statement, sales rifles are worth more than service rifles, is directly related to the fact that they are usually found in better condition.

FWIW,

Emri

[Arisaka99]

Great answer Emri.

[dt1950]

Gentlemen:

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond. In summary, condition being equal, an NRA rifle will be valued less than one not so marked. But will usually be highly valued due to the rarity of its condition.

Best regards,

H.T. Rea

[Rick the Librarian]

Both will bring a very high price, inless there is a "problem" with them.