Opinion of this 1903

[ssgross]

my next source would be to look for the right sporter to restore. I'm not much for a "collectors item", not to mention the price is always too high, and everyone selling wants to convince you theirs (often a junk parts rifle) is more collectible than everyone else's. Besides, it feels far more satisfying nailing 3 x's in a row with something that came from your own hands. When I'm gone, I'm certain my kids will sell the few "collectibles" I have, and fight over who gets to keep the ones I built, which was often done with little ones hanging around the bench "helping".

Here is one from my watchlist today.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1061921505
...looked promising until picture #31. The tang scew hole looks filed out square and filled with epoxy.
If you can get a sporter in good shape in the $300-$400, you'll have your finished service rifle for 600-1200 when you are done, depending on what it needs and what you want. Don't be surprised when you shoot a 1MOA group off the bench and guy offers you 2K for it.