Good evening, today I was browsing around my local store and found a 1903a3 for sale. The finish looked to be very good and there was some dust and fouling in the barrel but no signs of corrosion. I have always wanted to own one but the seller (it was on consignment) was asking 1800$ for it. I felt that this was a bit steep but after doing some quick searches, I feel like I screwed up. Could someone that knows alot about the 03 point me in the right direction?
Lucky48
Not sure where you searched, but at that price I would expect a perfect unissued rifle. Real nice and correct ones could be found for well less than $1200......FWIW
You did well to leave it, unless it is/was as Shomway replied. Someone is looking to make a very nice profit, but that's way too much IMHO. Be patient, you'll find one at a decent price. Watch estate sales and keep an eye on the CMP marketplace. Good luck!
I would set up an account on the CMP forum, and post up a want to buy ad. Be "likeable" and worthy
Some of those guys have a dozen of them and they're getting up in years. I'm betting they would be quite happy to pass on one of theirs to a new enthusiast, at a fair price.
Plus, you'll know the provenance of the gun. I personally would not drop serious coin on a gun store milsurp
Some of those guys have a dozen of them and they're getting up in years. I'm betting they would be quite happy to pass on one of theirs to a new enthusiast, at a fair price.
Plus, you'll know the provenance of the gun. I personally would not drop serious coin on a gun store milsurp
I was referring to shopping at LGS and gun shows as the OP said he was going to look at.
I'm in agreement with you if you were talking about people on the CMP Forum.
I'm in agreement with you if you were talking about people on the CMP Forum.
Thanks again for the responses. Both of you seem to be very knowledgeable about this particular rifle, much more so then I. I have 2 M14 style rifles but no experience with the 03 other then admiring it from afar. What should I be most concerned about when looking at one or shopping for one? The CMP seems like a great place to start.
Here is a drill rifle, read the description and look at the pics. The welds will need to be removed and cleaned up. A new(or used barrel) will be installed and the metal will be refinished in some form. There are clues that will reveal a reactivated drill rifle.
Keep an eye on Dupage for non drill 03A3's as they pop up on occasion.
Besides checking LGS and shows, you could join the CMP Forum and post a WTB ad on there. You don't have to buy the first that might be offered and pick one that suits your wants.
Do as much research as you can so you have a sense of what you're buying.
Good luck!
Keep an eye on Dupage for non drill 03A3's as they pop up on occasion.
Besides checking LGS and shows, you could join the CMP Forum and post a WTB ad on there. You don't have to buy the first that might be offered and pick one that suits your wants.
Do as much research as you can so you have a sense of what you're buying.
Good luck!
And one currently available on the CMP Forum. Maybe pricey but could request pics and post them here....
+1 for the CMP forums. Refurbs typically anywhere between 800-1000 it seems plus some change for originality and condition. Expect to pay about 20% more for a Smith Corona.
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