I think for a shooter the 03a3 is the right choice. The 03a3 has better sights than the 03 with the peep mounted on the rear bridge of the receiver. I hadn't shot mine for quite awhile and was sort of shocked that I was able to shoot a 2 1/2 inch group at 100 yards. Five shots with one flyer. The surprise was not that the rifle could do it but that my old cataract eyes could even see the target! (surgery soon) Salt Flat