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GD2A
03-29-2015, 04:39 PM
I've been kicking around the idea of getting a quality bolt action chambered in 30.06 or .308 - then, today it dawned on me ...

Why not get the iconic 1903? (s/n 800,000 or higher, of course)

Prices seem to be all over the place on these guns, from $400 beaters to 1K+ examples in pristine condition with matching numbers.

For a shooter grade or slightly better with a good bore - where should I look and what should I be aware/wary of?

I don't plan on getting this or any gun anytime soon but it gives me something to research and get my ducks in a row for "one day."
Caleb
03-29-2015, 08:24 PM
Been wanting a 1903a3 myself , keeping an eye out for a good deal. I would prefer the a3 for the sight upgrade, I can't hit squat with leaf sights. Look on surplusrifle dot com or the CMP forums in their classified section. If possible get one with a CMP certificate. I'd stay clear of gunbroker and the like, too many scammers on there. A good price would be around the $700 mark plus or minus a hundred..
Lonestar grips.
03-29-2015, 09:57 PM
Matt,

if you get one you should really get this for it http://hi-luxoptics.com/index.php/vintage-reproductions/william-malcolm-8x-usmc-4/william-malcolm-8x-usmc.html

or http://hi-luxoptics.com/index.php/vintage-reproductions/m73g4-sniper-4/m73g4.html

how cool would that be!
Riverpigusmc
03-29-2015, 10:00 PM
buy two
BlackKnight
03-29-2015, 10:34 PM
buy two
I concur.
In my case I was only able to buy one, although the person selling them had about six of them. He was selling them for a veterans organization that had them for ceremonies and had to sell them. I had first dibs on picking the best of the litter.
1943 Smith Corona.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v338/aburena/DSC02811.jpg
GD2A
03-29-2015, 11:03 PM
Thanks for the thoughts and pics. I found this vendor selling them - not sure how "original" they are at this price but it's one for me to file a way for the future:

http://www.e-sarcoinc.com/originalgi1903a3springfields.aspx

Also, do these old guns fire modern ammo or would I need to find milsurp or reload for it?
Caleb
03-29-2015, 11:24 PM
Careful with sarco, the rebuild them from "drill rifles". Ask them before you buy.

As long as you don't use high pressure rounds, commercial ammo is fine to use in "bolt" surplus guns. Never use commercial ammo in a Garand tho.

Thanks for the thoughts and pics. I found this vendor selling them - not sure how "original" they are at this price but it's one for me to file a way for the future:

http://www.e-sarcoinc.com/originalgi1903a3springfields.aspx

Also, do these old guns fire modern ammo or would I need to find milsurp or reload for it?
BlackKnight
03-29-2015, 11:27 PM
Also, do these old guns fire modern ammo or would I need to find milsurp or reload for it?
I wouldn't recommend modern loads. I only fire surplus or specially loaded rounds, like for the Garands.
GD2A
03-30-2015, 07:49 AM
I appreciate the learned replies. Maybe a 1903 isn't the best choice for a first bolt rifle when the time comes. A novel idea and a good history lesson as I continue to learn about them ... but perhaps I should start with a modern gun.
Caleb
03-30-2015, 09:34 AM
I appreciate the learned replies. Maybe a 1903 isn't the best choice for a first bolt rifle when the time comes. A novel idea and a good history lesson as I continue to learn about them ... but perhaps I should start with a modern gun.

Several great priced rifles out there today. Savage Axis ll, Ruger American, Remington , and Winchester all have "entry level" bolt guns under $400 with scope. I mean entry level as for thr price not the quality. I think the Axis ll would be your better choice imho.

For me, it's about shooting "History ". I would not blink an eye on a 03 or 03a3 if money was no object. Then again, I still would like a modern rifle for accuracy shooting.
GD2A
03-30-2015, 10:16 AM
If I ever reach "money is no object" and find myself with an extra 3-4K, I'll be posting pics of my pair of historic battle rifles ... a 1903 and Garand, each original with matching numbers, naturally :D

Of course, THAT day is a looooooong way off. Between my ongoing rehab expenses (shoulder not drugs - lol), home improvements and the IVF we've just begun the only thing I can afford right now is a penny for your thoughts.

If the IVF works, I suppose I'll be able to buy something new after college! funny
LittleGator
03-30-2015, 10:38 AM
If I ever reach "money is no object" and find myself with an extra 3-4K, I'll be posting pics of my pair of historic battle rifles ... a 1903 and Garand, each original with matching numbers, naturally :D

Of course, THAT day is a looooooong way off. Between my ongoing rehab expenses (shoulder not drugs - lol), home improvements and the IVF we've just begun the only thing I can afford right now is a penny for your thoughts.

If the IVF works, I suppose I'll be able to buy something new after college! funny

If it is a girl, forget "after college", you'll have to wait until after the wedding!! Ask me how I know.
BlackKnight
03-30-2015, 11:27 AM
If I ever reach "money is no object" and find myself with an extra 3-4K, I'll be posting pics of my pair of historic battle rifles ... a 1903 and Garand, each original with matching numbers, naturally :D

Well, like something like these. :D
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v338/aburena/DSC00341.jpg

The second one last year.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v338/aburena/file.jpg

Both of my "babies."
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v338/aburena/file-1.jpg

Sorry, don't mean to brag.
Caleb
03-30-2015, 11:46 AM
show off!!!!

:D
LittleGator
03-30-2015, 12:21 PM
Nice!!
GD2A
03-30-2015, 12:35 PM
Sweet pair!
AutoMag
03-30-2015, 01:59 PM
I will admit it......I am bragging about the collection my dad left me from his 30 year Navy career!!!:):D

All original and numbers matching!!

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/AutoMag180/DSC03263.jpg (http://s130.photobucket.com/user/AutoMag180/media/DSC03263.jpg.html)
GD2A
03-30-2015, 02:15 PM
The humility around here is ... humbling ;)

That's a fantastic collection, John!
Lonestar grips.
03-30-2015, 02:59 PM
Matt,

how about a Mosin? it's cheap, it's a WW2 battle rifle, it's Bolt action and ammo is cheap. lots of fun for not much money.

these guys have some cool accessories http://brassstacker.com/mosin-nagant/
AutoMag
03-30-2015, 03:36 PM
The humility around here is ... humbling ;)

That's a fantastic collection, John!

I love it!!

My dad also had 2 1903A3 Springfield rifles in his collection but to this day I have not been able to locate them. I think his brother-in-law got them many years ago but has since passed. I asked my cousin, his daughter about them but she has no idea.

The Mosin Nagant is a pretty neat rifle as is the Steyr M95 rifle. I picked up these fairly cheap with my C&R license, less than $100.00 each if I remember correctly.

Steyr M95.
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/AutoMag180/20131218_1_zps05dec592.jpg (http://s130.photobucket.com/user/AutoMag180/media/20131218_1_zps05dec592.jpg.html)

Mosin Nagant.
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/AutoMag180/20120816_1-1.jpg (http://s130.photobucket.com/user/AutoMag180/media/20120816_1-1.jpg.html)
GD2A
03-30-2015, 06:26 PM
I bought a Mosin once - sight unseen just because of a good price. I had it for exactly as long as it took me to trade away. Cool, old gun that was in really nice shape but just not my thing.
NAMVET72
03-30-2015, 06:58 PM
Before you ask us ask your wife because you are using her shoe and purse money............Just buy it..................


Clyde
GD2A
03-30-2015, 08:30 PM
Before you ask us ask your wife because you are using her shoe and purse money............Just buy it..................


Clyde

Ha Ha Ha ... you might not be too far off on that funny

Nonetheless, no new guns for me anytime soon.

Just doing some research for who knows when.