effect on value question on 1903a3?

[Snert]

Hello, New guy here with first question to milsurps.com..

I recently acquired a real nice Remington 1903-A3 from a local shop. So a buddy of mine who is a lot more knowledgeable on the WW1/2 rifles than I look it over. He goes on talking how I should change the incorrect parts to correct parts.
Prior to buying I did study up on stamped vs milled parts, stocks, barrels, butt plates etc.

Now rifle in question has had a arsenal rebuild.

My question would making the rifle correct to pre-arsenal rebuild effect the value. It has some cartouche stamps to show it has had a arsenal rebuild.
Mine has a 1903 trigger/mag plate assembly on it currently. Is it worth it to switch to a correct Remington trigger/mag assembly.

Yes having a 100% correct from the create rifle would be great, But then to me takes away from the nostalgic heritage of the rifle. Honestly I am torn between making it all correct small ocd issue or leave it as is.

Once I get the camera figured out, I will post some pics of the rifle with more questions.

Thank you for the input,
Snert..

Information

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[Rick the Librarian]

I hate to sound like I'm "fence-sitting" but it sort of depends:

1) If you're missing one part, I don't see a problem - I don't know if it'll affect the value one way or the other.

2) If the rifle has been totally rebuilt and refinished, I think it a waste of time

3) My "rule of thumb" for M1903s (not M1903A3s) is if the rifle is missing the fixed rear sight base and/or the front sight and has been drilled and tapped, it is not worth the effort and expense.

[Snert]

This one seems pretty complete and not drilled, 100% the way it was made. Well with the exception of a few swapped parts mainly the trigger guard. On the front sight the band/base is marked R while the pinned in blade has a C stamped in it. I will try to post pictures this weekend and you guys could give it the once over.
plus there is a cartouche I am curious about on the stock.

[Rick the Librarian]

Pictures would really help. Thanks!

[browningautorifle]

100% the way it was made. Well with the exception of a few swapped parts

Yes, pics when you can...

[Live4therut]

If it has the arsenal stamps in the wood leave as is, still a great rifle with history. In order of collectibility and value it goes like this
1) original/correct
2) arsenal rebuild
3) refinished or restored
4) bubbafied/sporter

If it has the rebuild stamps in the stock I see no point correcting it, unless your going to find another stock

[Snert]

So I took a bunch of pictures to post, BUT having a issue with a photo host. I know this is off topic but who do you recommend? Looking for least pop-ups and simple to use with forum size upload option.
I tried tinypic and it is super slow to just get from one step to the next. I hear photobucket is horrible now too with ads/pop-ups.

[browningautorifle]

PM me and we can talk, I'll send you an Email address and you mail them to me so I can post them for you.

[Snert]

Jim, Let my try first if no success then I will take you up on your offer.

Here we go..

[Snert]

few more pictures.