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Posted: 9/12/2009 4:52:23 PM EDT
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I am contemplating buying a Springfield 1903 or 1903A3 rifle to use in vintage rifle matches. I want a shooter, not a collectable safe queen. CMP has some occasionally, but I never seem to catch them when they have them in stock. Can you offer any advice as far as what to look for and what to avoid? |
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AIM Surplus has rebuilt A3s and even an A4 (for $800 and $1,000, respectfully). They had regular M1903s at one time, so if you want one, I'd call and see (I believe they were priced the same as an A3).
If you are looking for a non-rebuilt one, it depends a lot on the year made and condition. I picked up a M1903 from a guy on another forum. CMP put them out, being they were Greek buy-backs. It was refinished, and I had to unpin the magazine floorplate. Gun was from the 1920s, so it was new enough to be safe (check the serial numbers to see what is unsafe to fire with M1903s), but it was not in a position to have any real historical value. I paid $700, which I felt was ok for a shooter. I had the same plans for mine as you have. I sent mine to DGR to be completely rebuilt. Cost me more than the gun (about $850), but it is like it was originally pulled off the arsenal rack. The refinish the entire gun, install and refinish a new stock (fitted correctly), and then make sure the gun is safe to fire. If I were in the position to do it all over again, I'd probably buy one from AIM, possibly even the A4. I haven't seen an A4 reproduction under $1,500, and most didn't even include a scope. Between the A3 and M1903, I like the ladder sight better. It isn't a rifle that someone is going to depend on for combat, so taking a little extra time to adjust the sights is not a problem. |
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Even at our overpriced local gun show, prices on these seem to hover around $600-750, which isn't TOO bad, considering you're not buying through the CMP. It would probably be a good investment to buy some barrel wear gauges too evaluate the throat and muzzle condition of potential purchases. Barrel condition would be my first criteria, with stock fit being the second consideration.
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