Advice Request For Prospective Buyer

[Onesixthsoldier]

I am interested in, obsessed really, with purchasing a 1903A3 to shoot. However, I am cautious. I do not wish to spend dollars on a rile that is unsafe, inaccurate or over priced. I purchased Joe Poyer's "The M1903 Springfield Rifle And Its Variations" as a resource, but it's not that useful as a buyer's guide. My request is for information on what to look for when selecting a 1903A3 to purchase for shooting and what tools, resources, are available to help a prospective buyer in choosing a particular rifle. I appreciate any and all comments.

Information

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[browningautorifle]

Can you get pics and post them here so we can see this one? That's a start. I agree that Poyer might not be the most useful book...nice pics though... We have a gunsmith here that deals with them all the time and would know exactly what was safe and not... Chuckindenver...send him a PM and avoid opinion, go for expert comment.

[Onesixthsoldier]

I do not have a particular rifle in mind, just looking for advice on how to evaluate a rifle at a gun show or online auction site. I appreciate the post.

[browningautorifle]

It's the same as buying a car, there's so very much...and until you have it checked out by a man that knows what to measure and examine it's still a crapshoot...there'll be more along here shortly...to help.

[Rick the Librarian]

It depends on what you're looking for - collector or a shooter - or both. What your budget is, also.

[CINDERS]

Apart from the obvious it being what it it says it is (Not a collared together bitza) one could write reams also given the erstwhile comments from ChuckinDenver he to can only give you a general outline on what to look for mainly because you do not have the specimen you wish to buy.
My suggestion is to get onto gunsites (Theres plenty of them) chase down the '03's look at them, get a price range that suits your budget pick one out then get Chuck to evaluate it otherwise it is a bit like what Jim says, "I wish to buy a Mustang car"
I do not know what year though! So to be fair to the forum and Chuck pick out a rifle then go from there otherwise it is just pie in the sky stuff "How long is a piece of string".

[P246]

I'd also school yourself on how to tell if it's a reclaimed drill rifle. One of my shooters is and I knew that going in but it affects value. I also check headspace on it all the time. So far no stretch. Find one and post pics. Chuck In Denver and a few others have always been a good source. If I buy online I request a non firing inspection with refund if not as advertised. I like to buy in person but that cuts your prospects way down. Good luck the hunt is half the fun...

[WebSmithEddy]

I don't know if your obsession includes making a 600-mile trip to Anniston, AL, but if you are a member of the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), they are selling Remington and Smith Corona 03A3s at their South Store. $650 + 10% sales tax. From the reports of people who have purchased them, they seem to be in good shooting condition. They will probably not last long.