Things Seen at Gun Shows...

[oldfoneguy]

...that you wish you didn't see. So as my quest for the right 1903 continues I went to a local gun show this weekend and didn't find it. What I did find nearly made me sick. Gun sellers are starting to make used car dealers seem honest.

First seen was a Remington 1903 with a 3 mil serial number and a 10-42 dated barrel that was marked as a "match" model. Heavily sanded C stock with no cartouches at all and a thick almost acrylic coat of Trueoil. The only other marking was a P stamp under the barrel just foward of the nosecap. What made it a match was some square block of aluminum peep sight with no markings but it did have a target disc screwed into it. Oh and it still retained the original sight on the barrel. All this goodness for only $1400 usd. Now I don't claim to be an expert on 03's by any means but to me I don't believe that during the most desperate days of WWII for the US that they would build rifles to be put on the side for shooting matches. Also post war if one was built from a wartime receiver I highly doubt they would have retained the original war service barrel for match purposes. Pass

Next, 2 tables down was an extremely rough Smith Corona 03-A3. Heavily sanded stock with no cartouches and many deep dents still visible, replaced unfinished handguards and a gash on the barrel obliterating the month of manufacture the year was 43. What impressed me was what looked like a blued carbine rear sight with 2 cover screws below it blocking the d&t'd holes where an alternate sight had been mounted. All this wonderfulness for only $1499 usd. Pass

Lastly a Remington 03-A3 in what looked like somewhat decent condition. All cartouches in place and correct, correct oil finish on the stock, correct sights, correct sling, 3.3 mil serial number and a 3/43 dated barrel. Oh about that barrel almost no rifling whatsoever especially at the muzzle. All for only $1600 usd. My brother jokingly asked how many smoothbore 03-A3's were made during the war. The seller wasn't amused. Pass

We were there early and that was it only those 3 in the whole show so the search continues. Rant over, thank you.