Need a little guidance shopping for a rifle

[Rumpelhardt]

I'm going 1903 shopping hopefully the end of the week.
I'm specifically going to take a more detailed look at the two 03a3s I posted about before.
Could some one please fill me in on areas to look at that are known problem areas for these rifles?
I'm coming home with an 03 this time. The last two times I went looking for a 1903 Springfield I came home with a SMLE No1 the first time and an ar15 the second. I will not fail this time!

Information

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[Rick the Librarian]

It depends if you're looking for a collector or a shooter. If a shooter, you look at the bore, the action, try to find out the muzzle and throat erosion, does it headspace, etc.

If a collector, there is a whole series of variables to consider:

1) barrel date
2) stock type and markings
3) "other" markings (bolt, bands, etc.)
4) finish

...to name a few.

[Rumpelhardt]

Definitely a shooter. I actually don't want anything overly collectable because it will probably get used a fair amount so normal parts replacement is a distinct possibility.
This is also why I want an a3 over an earlier 1903.

[Salt Flat]

I might be stating the obvious but watch out for the recovered drill rifle receivers. (Unless that is what you want) Look closely at the cutoff area to make sure it it has not been reworked after breaking the weld. This is easy to spot on a rifle that you personally inspect but less obvious when buying online. I've seen some very "selective" photography that avoids the cutoff area. Salt Flat

[Rick the Librarian]

That would be my concern as well. Most "recovered" drill rifles sell for little less than a non-drill rifle.

[Rumpelhardt]

Any pictures to show what I should be looking for?
As long as it would be safe to shoot this wouldn't bother me too much if the price was appropriate but of coarse I don't want to over pay.

---------- Post added at 03:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:11 PM ----------

Also if I remember correctly one of them had a 4 groove barrel and the other a 2 groove. Which one is which I don't remember. From a shooting standpoint, any advantage to one over the other?

---------- Post added at 03:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:16 PM ----------

I would also like to thank you very much for taking the time to answer my questions.

[Salt Flat]

Rumplehart, I personally avoid recovered drill rifles for shooters. That's just my two cents. I have bought a couple of drill rifles (not recovered) but for display pieces only. Rick is right, for just a little more money than you would pay for a recovered drill rifle you can get a shooter that has not been welded on, ground on, pipe wrenched on etc. Also avoid the low number single heat treat rifles if you are going to shoot it. Lots of info on this subject--just do a search on this site.. Salt Flat