Could it be I'm falling in love...

[Mike D]

So through my quest of putting together an 03a4 clone, (still not done) I ended up with an extra 03a3 barreled action and some stock hardware. I figured I'd put a decent straight grip stock on it and sell it. Figured if I was gonna have just one 03a3, it might as well be the clone.

I bought a stock set off an auction site. It was a little dirty and although I was given some good tips from the forum members, I ended up cleaning it with 00 steel wool and warm soapy (dawn) water. I was gentle with it, especially around the cartouches, topped it off with a little boiled linseed oil, and it turned out just fine.

Now that I've put it all together, I don't want to let her go!

I know some of you out there scoff at the 03a3 compared to the 1903, milled vs. stamped, and blued vs. parkerized, and all that stuff, but there is something about that mixture of dark green parkerizing and blued parts. She has a look all her own. Born out of a time of need, she served her purpose well. Even if I do sell her (probably not), I'm going to the range with her first![/QUOTE][/IMG][/QUOTE][/IMG][/QUOTE][/IMG]

Ya never know, maybe my next quest will be that sleek ole '03!

Information

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[John Beard]

Nice Rifle!

Many collectors are more attached to their "project rifles" than their nice originals. Your feelings are by no means unusual.

If you like it, keep it. I assume it's paid for. It requires no food or maintenance, and will only go up in value.

Hope this helps. Thanks for sharing! And Happy Holidays!

J.B.

[PeteDavis]

Nice job there.

PD

[bb1]

Mike:
I, for one, have never scoffed at the 03A3. Or any other firearm. I scoff at those who wish to seperATE THOSE FROM THEIR FIREARMS.

[Mike D]

Nicely put bb1!

[frankderrico]

Mike D, ditto what J.B. said. That is a nice rifle.....Frank D

[Mike D]

Thanks guys! It would be hard to let go after the work I put into it plus my liking the results so much. I'll just have to find some other way to fund my other projects.

[Rick the Librarian]

Prefectly normal -- it's happened to me a couple of times!

[Harlan (Deceased)]

I hope to hear from you after you take it out to the range are you're even more in love Dave.
I put together an A3 and it turned out to be a tack driver and my most favorite rifle to shoot of all. Good luck!

~ Harlan