though i agree, a unDP 03 or A3 is what a guy wants.
and some DP rifles should not be restored.
however, id doubt that a A3 stretched, more likely its a bolt issue, and or barrel issue.
the locking ways on the receiver may have been worn, long before the rifle was made into a DP rifle, setback is a common issue with 1903,s that saw a lot of use{firing} and manual of arms.
the fact they havnt been shot in some 45 years, only played with, should say something.
but, most of the DP A3,s iv delt with were as new if not new, when converted to DP.
i purchsed some 75 A3 DP rifles the first go around, and all but 5 were ok, the 5 that wernt restorable, were welded heavy, or damaged, from rough use.
most were as new, no rebuild marks, nice FJA marked stocks ect, early barrels, and blue parts, a couple just had epoxy in the bore, and cuttoff, and no welds, they came back easy.
i have 3 family members that have A3,s that i built and gave them as gifts,
my dad shoots the one i did for him monthly, and loves it, just came over last week and showed me a target that he killed with it, and the nice 1/2 group i shot.
as hard as the A3 is and being nickle steel, id say to stretch one would be tough. but not out of the question.
just closing on a gauge, isnt death of a receiver, whats the fired case look like?
found many 03,s A3,s and mosly 17,s that closed on a NG gauge, and the brass looked great,
without getting off into headspace land, and the long drawn out discussion that usually goes with it.
a fired case will tell more then any gauge.
but, in any case, a rifle you dont trust, should never be used, and cut up as scrap.
try 3 brands of no go and or field gauges, they all measure differently.
i use a GI issue gauge..and dont carry a gauge in your pocket at the gunshows,
imagine the wear it gets with your jackknife, change and car keys.
they should be stored in a case, seperate from any othet tools, or so they dont rub or wear against other objects.
ever see the guy selling a basket of gauges at the show? how many years have those been in that basket? think those are accurate???
but like any salvaged rifle, caution should be used, as well as safety glasses, and gloves, when firing.
tire testfire should also be done, from a safe distance..