Looking for sources for a 1903/ 03-A3 action.

Been keeping my eyes open on a local gun forum, this forum and gunbroker.  Any other good places to look at?

What's everyone's take on the low serial number actions? Go or not worth the risk?  I see mixed answers.

Low serial numbers? There have been horrible accidents documented because of them. If I had one, I would think of it as a cool piece of history and treat it the same way that I treat old muzzle loaders; handle and enjoy it without shooting it.

Try to find something that has been sporterized but the receiver is unmolested, holes drilled, etc.  I have seen them as low as $200 in the last year.

They seem to be going for around 400-500 now a days for the sporterized versions.  I was hoping to get a bare action since I was going to build it up as a modern hunting rifle.

As far a low serial numbers go, I've only read about the failures that occurred when they first realized there was a heat treat issue.  I just assume the people who continue to shoot those low serial 1903's are taking the risk and shooting milspec, low pressure, light bullet weight ammo.

Does the requirement to shoot milspec, lightweight, low pressure ammo also translate to the properly heat treated actions too?  Or would it be ill advised to shoot modern hunting cartridges through a 1903?

Not an expert by any means.

I have a Smith-Corona '03-A3 from 1944, and have been told it's gtg with any ammo.

The dealer I bought it from gave me a box of S&B 180 grain to go with it.

Shop the pawn shops, the used racks at gun shops, and any classifieds in your area.  Put out some feelers.  There are thousands of them out there.

There are so many other actions available nowadays building a new hunting rig using a 100 year old war horse is throwing money down the drain IMO.

Buy a used Remington 700 or a Savage and the aftermarket will fill your every need. It will shoot better, have a better trigger and look like something someone would buy. Lots of Mausers (Mauser sued the USA for patent infringement and won) and some 1903 hunting rigs are always available for sale. They are usually pretty cheap because they look cheap and cobbled together.

A friend has a custom .308 hunting rifle based on a Mauser 98 action. It was made by a custom European gunsmith and it is a thing of beauty. The wood and hand checkering are fantastic. It is the exception to the rule. It was a gift from his father in-law and a family heirloom.

Most sporter conversions look rough.

I have a chromed barreled 1903a3 drill rifle receiver if you are really interested in such a project.

It seems like a drill rifle would be a little bit more work than I really wanted to invest into.  Thanks for the look out though.

The problem rifles are 03 from when the first came out not the 03a3.

Sarco had some a while back. Maybe they still do.