NEWBIE with new purchase

[DoorKicker]

I have been doing a little bit of research on the 1903 and finally decided to buy one. I admittedly don't know too terribly much about them, I just always wanted one.

Below is the description from the listing, and I will try and get pics up as well before I post but I may have to add them later.

I purchased from a trusted dealer that under values his firearms or at the very least is very accurate in describing them. I have purchased many many guns from them and have always been more than pleased when I pick them up. (dealer is a few hrs from my house and I often buy off their GB page.) I also purchase from them new over the counter because they offer Military/LEO discount

From what I understand in reading this site, this would be a shooter grade that I have purchased and my question is about the so called "Complete" or correct 1903 versions out there. Are collectors simply finding the nicest versions of 1903s that they can and then replacing parts to what it would have had originally, or are there actually all original rifles floating around out there?

Also were any of these rifles actually used in combat before or after they were re-built?

GB Description:

Remington model 1903A3 .30-06 bolt-action rifle- SN: 40681xx. This rifle is in very good mechanical condition with a 24” two-groove barrel (good bore), factory parkerized finish (good+ condition with some wear and spotting), factory sights with front sight hood, factory wood stock (good condition with strong cartouches-some dings and marks), reproduction leather sling and 5-round internal magazine. This is an arsenal-refinished, World War II, Remington-made Springfield model 1903A3. The barrel date is “9-43”. It appears to be mostly Remington – the bolt has both Remington and government contractor parts

So what can you tell me? Is this a shooter? Is it average, above or below?

Thanks in advance to all who reply

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.

[Detroit-1]

Yes there are like new ones out there. And yes collectors are buying them up. I have one. Your receiver finish looks original, the bolt is a replacement. The stock looks like it was lightly sanded. Looks like a nice rebuilt 03A3. Yes they did use them otherwise they would not have needed to be rebuilt.

[DoorKicker]

Thanks,

OK, so a "like new" one most likely sat in an arms room or was issued but NOT used in combat. A re-built one was most likely used in combat and thus required the rebuild. And then there are the ones built from un-used (OLD) parts that were never used to build a complete rifle until just recently?

So how can you tell an original one from a rebuilt that has had parts returned to original? And how can you tell a like new one from a "new parts" build.

Also, were the re-built ones, like mine, left behind after the War and later re-imported and then re-built and the rebuild removed the import stampings? Or were they simply brought back on transport ships and turned in after the War to be rebuilt later? Or is there even a way to tell?

Thanks again for any reply

[Fred G.]

Being able to tell whether or not any particular rifle is composed of its original parts takes years of observation and handling of many, many, many rifles. Such knowledge can't be conveyed in a few sentences over a forum.
As Detroit-1 said, yes, there are like new ones out there. However, even a 1903 that shows a lot of use but is still composed of its original parts is very desirable. These are often overlooked and go unoticed. I really like and value those. I recently sold a 1903 Mark I Springfield that had a lot of dings and scrapes on its original stock and hand guard. However every component on that rifle was original to its assembly at Springfield Armory. How could I tell? Over 40 years of experience with 1903 Springfields and Rock Islands came in mighty handy. I'm Still learning things about them.

[Detroit-1]

I sure would have liked to see that Mark 1. I also like the original but been there done that guns. I have a two original 9-42 Remington 03's. One like new the other has some been there done that marks. I like them both.

[Fred G.]

Here are some 1903's that are in their original configurations with all of their original parts. Except for the Rod Bayonet model which is assembled from original parts that are impossible to find nowadays.

Attachment 76076Attachment 76077Attachment 76078Attachment 76079Attachment 76080

[Detroit-1]

Lucky you!

[Fred G.]

Oh those rifles have all recently been sold except for one which I've kept.

[Fred G.]

Doorkicker, that 1903A3 s a nice looking rifle! Pretty neat.

[browningautorifle]

the Rod Bayonet model

You sure lucked in when she bought you that one...I'm still looking for a woman like that. Nice rifles of course also...