With the CMP looking to release more .3006 bolt rifles I may take the plunge.  So hive, which one would you order and why?  And no I am not buying all three, just one!

Thanks,
Gary

If I had to pick one, it'd be a P-17, then a 03A3, then a 1903.  But that's just me.

I already have an 03A3, so if they release more P-17's I'm going to try like hell to get one.

All three are great, and everyone has their personal preferance, I prefer the '03...I LOVE mine and deer hunted with it this year. Even with it's few drawbacks, it is sweet, deadly accurate and a real piece of history in your hands. The 03-A3 is more crudely made, but has better sights and is just as accurate. The Enfield is very well made, VERY strong,(you can convert the action to any magnum caliber) accurate, but considerably heavier and bulkier than either of the '03's. You can't lose with any of them! I got one of the first from the last shipment of '03's from greece in '04 and I really lucked out and got one in near perfect condition. GO FOR IT!

Depends what you want....

If you're looking for a historical connection to WWI then the M1903 or P17 is the rifle you want.

If you want a good and easy to use shooter than the 1903A3 or P17 is in order.  A coworker has the P17 and loves it.  I haven't shot one but I'd like one too.

The 1903 has sights that are alittle more difficult to use.  The battle sight is the open sight with the leaf down.  It will always be high unless you're shooting at 575 yards IIRC.   So you must use the flip up leaf sight for less distance.  It's windage adjustable but no clicks, just a smooth screw knob.

The 1903A3 has a rear peep on the receiver instead of the leaf on the barrel; much easier to use I think.  This version was WW2.

The P17 IIRC isn't adjustable for windage (without a hammer that is).  That's it's drawback.  The bolt is faster on the P17 because it cocks on closing instead of opening like most bolt rifles.  (splits the work in two parts to make it easier on the operator)

OK, that's as much as I can tell you.  Lots of experts here, on Jouster, battlerifle, and M14forums.

SoS

The CMP is supposed to have some 03s and 03a3s sometimes in January.

According to Orest, they're only getting '03s in not M1917s.  The last batch of M1917s that just sold out was it for a while more than likely.

I have all three and I'll take the U.S. Model of 1917....  The 03 & 03/A3 are great rifles, but the M17 fits me better.

HH

I want an 03 so that's what I plan to buy.

I rather liked the sighting system on the 03A3 a bit better.  One of the above posters seemed to indicate they were not of the same quality of the 03.  Can anyone elaborate on the quality difference?

Thanks,
Gary

Can't speak to a quality comparison, but my 03A3 seems very well built.

I'm personally going to try to get a standard 03, as I have bith an 03A3 and a Model 1917.

I think there were less 03A3s made, so that might be a factor to consider.

Quoted: The CMP is supposed to have some 03s and 03a3s sometimes in January.

And they all are supposed to have pretty nasty bores from many years of shooting blanks.

 Must you spoil my hope?

I am by far an expert on any of these three weapons. I love all three so if you can just do this.

GET ALL THREE!!  



From top to bottom: EDDYSTONE Model of 1917, Sprinfield 1903A3, & Sprinfield 1903 MARK 1

Any idea of a price range if they get some in?

Quoted: Quoted: The CMP is supposed to have some 03s and 03a3s sometimes in January. And they all are supposed to have pretty nasty bores from many years of shooting blanks.

   

Quoted: Any idea of a price range if they get some in?

I dunno but if the bores are all junk I'm going to pass.  I want a 03 with a decent bore!

Quoted: I rather liked the sighting system on the 03A3 a bit better.  One of the above posters seemed to indicate they were not of the same quality of the 03.  Can anyone elaborate on the quality difference?

The 1903a3 has some stamped steel parts. Still a good shooter, though.

Unless your in a hurry, wait and check some of the area gun shows around you. I often see really nice deals on 1903's, 1903A3's and 1917's. The Harrisburg, PA show earlier in December had some good deals. Found a Eddystone 1917 in the same condition as mine I have pictured with a very nice bore, he ONLY wanted $400.00 dollars for the rifle. But like a dumb ass, I did not buy it since I already had one.

Also look at Auction Arms and Gunbroker. Sometimes you will find a good rifle that not many people are watching and can get a good deal on it. My Springfield 1903 MARK 1 was purchased from Gunbroker. I got it for $425.00 shipped and it has a MINT BORE and MINT FINISH.

Good luck in your search and what ever one you decide to go with, YOU CAN NOT go wrong!  All three are FINE weapons to own!

Gary,

If you were referring to my post on the sights.

My opinion/observations

M1903 is a little more difficult to use because to use well you need to flip up the leaf sight thusly making it a little impractical regarding walking around with the leaf up; prone to being hit, or it will simply fold down when you want it (if you were hunting or something)  Also the windage doesn't have  clicks so it is infinetely adjustable but also prone to moving the windage setting inadvertantly.  i've rolled the knob accidentally while putting the rifle in a gun case.  It does have hash marks on the sight base that show you your setting.  Each has mark is 4 mils IIRC.  (4 inches at 100 yards).  You can set anywhere in between hash marks as there are not clicks.  Also the rear sight is farther away from you eye.

In actual use I like the M1903A3 sights better.  The rear is near your eye just like the garand.  The windage clicks are present to hold your setting.  Mine is dead on with 6 clicks of rt. windage.  They still have the hash marks for reference on your windage.  4 clicks per hashmark.  So my sight setting is one and a half hash marks that I can easily see.

Both 1903 versions have a really thin front sight.  I sometimes "lose" it and have to find it.

hope this helps Gary


Edited to add;  My 1903A3 shoots 1 and 5/8 inch groups, my 1903 is more than double that.  I think it's more a funtion of stock contition though.  My 03 is soft and oil soaked, but it is a grasping groove stock that looks cool!
SoS

I get the 03 first, then the A3 and 17 last.

Why, because it just seems like the original 03 would be the priority in any US gun collection, The other 2 can still be found cheaper and in greater numbers at gun shows.

If you get an 03 make sure the serial number is over 800,000 if you intend to shoot it. Earliar then that and the recievers may not be safe for firing.

Totally depends on the person.  The good news is you can't make a mistake no matter what you decide.

I personally like the 1903 for the nostalgia.  It's the first 30-06 ever made and the craftsmanship is pretty neat.  The leaf sights are also a neat curiosity to me.  Some don't like them because the stick up when deployed and thus more fragile/prone to bumps.  I suppose so, but I've taken it hunting anyway.  I also really like the fingergroves in the original stock (which for some reason isn't shown in the above photograph - the 1917 has the finger grooves, but the 1903 should have them as well - not sure why they aren't there, they are on my 1903...)

So that's my reasoning.  If your interests are slighly different, get your flavor!

Thanks guys.  The sad news out of the CMP is that the units hitting the market have shot out bores.    Oh well...