1903 a3

[newguy]

Hey folks I have a nat ord 1903a3 on hold for me at a local gun shop and im debating on what to do. The gun looks to be in great condition. I have looked online and read reviews and heard of problems with the gun. Now i was wondering what are the specific issues with the gun? I understand it has something to do with the receiver failing. Now how often to these actually fail? While browsing online I find stories of people "knowing someone" who has had an issue but i cant find any stories from those who experienced a failure, and was wondering if this is an urban legend that got outta hand. I've read online of many people finding it to be a great rifle but also understand that it just takes one failure. If I took it to a gunsmith to have it inspected for possible faults and found nothing would i be in the clear? If not then would it be possible to find a receiver that i could have switched out by a local gunsmith? Keep in mind im new so lemme down easy

---------- Post added at 12:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:55 AM ----------

forgot the serial number is 5003370 if that helps thanks folks

Information

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[TDH]

You are thinking of the Springfield Model of 1903. Specifically those made between 1903 and 1917. That's when they changed it to a double heat treat process which eliminated the chance of a brittle receiver or bolt. There has not been a problem with the 03A3

[vintage hunter]

Nope, he's got it right. National Ordinance assembled 1903a3 rifles from surplus parts on new made recievers in the '50's and/or'60's like Century Arms did with Garands a few years ago. A couple other companies made up 03a3 on new made recievers during that time period also. I bought a Nat'l Ord. 03a3 for parts that had a split reciever ring. It appears that the threads were undersize and when they screwed the bbl. on it caused it to split parallel to the chamber. It had a mint bbl that i used on a USGI a3 with a shot out one. I never got around to it but intended to have the reciever Rockwell'd as i suspect it a bit on the soft side. Unless you want a wall hanger or can get it real cheap to use for parts leave it alone. As for replacing the reciever, after factoring in the cost of getting a suitable replacement, the labor,and the initial cost of the rifle you'll come out ahead to get a real one to start with. Leave the Santa Fe's and the Golden State's alone as well. More cheap '60's parts guns.

[Rick the Librarian]

I had usually thought these rifles, while crude, were OK to fire. Look at Chuckindenver's posts on these and he has some definite negative feelings based on his experiences as a gunsmith.

I would agree with Vintage Hunter - save a couple of hundred bucks more and get a "real" M1903 or M1903A3.

[Chuckindenver]

Nat Ord, and Santa Fe Arms. im my opinion,,are unsafe to shoot any high power cal. 30-06. .270. ect. they do make great .22Lr,s or maybe. .300 Savage, 7x57 ect. somethinglow pressure.
if you search my posts, youll find some pics that may help you with your choice.