To be or not to be...what to do?

**majspud** · 08-20-2012, 08:21 PM

I was thinking on my post the other day, and how I've shifted my collection from type to correct grade.

I specifically mentioned the 03A3 as an example to upgrade. While it is an exceptional example, it has an all-park post-war refinish, a Smith Corona trigger guard, and I believe a Smith Corona stock as well. The stock has the FJA only, and not FJA over RA.

As is:

As it should be. These pics are from ManInBlue's RA 03A3 that he posted in my initial post of the purchase back in November.
http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbu...parasion/page2, post #15. (thanks again for posting your rifle for comparison).

So, I'm wondering what to do here. I can:

1. Leave it alone. More value in its current finish?
2. Refinish it to WWII standards by bluing the barrel, bands, trigger guard, safety, bolt, and screws.
3. Sell it and use the funds to acquire an original correct example.

Opinions, advice? As I recall a NES member recently sent out his M17 to be refinished.

Thanks,

MS

**DRB** · 08-20-2012, 09:33 PM

Leave it alone!!!! While you can attempt to make it "correct" it never really ever can be again. It is what it is in its current state. Hell I'd buy it, but I'm broke! ( the 03 is the last of the coomon us 4 I need )

**JuergenG** · 08-20-2012, 09:42 PM

Originally Posted by **DRB**

Leave it alone!!!! While you can attempt to make it "correct" it never really ever can be again. It is what it is in its current state.

This!

Originally Posted by **DRB**

Hell I'd buy it, but I'm broke! ( the 03 is the last of the coomon us 4 I need )

and that

**NinerMaine** · 08-20-2012, 09:56 PM

3. Sell it and use the funds to acquire an original correct example.

If it was just a matter of replacing parts, I would say go ahead and make it correct. But if you are going to reblue, then I say no. The rifle is correct for that rifle's history. The parked parts are correct for the history of that rifle and are military correct for that rifle and the updates that it went through at the arsenals. While it is not "correct" as when it left the factory, it has its own history, that in my opinion needs to be respected. If you are undoing a non arsenal update or a bubba sporter job, then I would recommend the changes as well. But in this case, it is as it should be. Besides any serious collector will notice the changes and see them as not original and therefore you will not achieve the desired outcome.

Just my 2 cents and I know the feeling. I just picked up a Colt New Line 32 Rimless with flaking nickel plate and am dying to get it replated, but am restraining myself.

**martin08** · 08-20-2012, 10:09 PM

A Smith Corona stock will have a rounded front end to the barrel band spring inletting, vs. squared for the Remington. Not the best pic, but it can be enlarged.

Also, will have the diamond cartouche in front of the trigger guard.

**SKS Ray** · 08-20-2012, 10:10 PM

When I was looking to complete my Russian SKS collection and would buy a non refurbed model of a certain year, or one refurbed less the one I had, I'd buy it and sell off the refurb one.

So IMO... save your cash, look for one you really like, buy it when you find it and sell the one that doesn't meet the correct standards. In the mean time you have one to enjoy and shoot until the better one comes along. Thats the beauty of collecting surplus guns, unless you screw around and alter them, they NEVER decrease in value.

**majspud** · 08-20-2012, 10:28 PM

Here's the stamps on my stock:

MS

A nod to Ray; exactly what my gut was telling me.

Martin, the cut out for the rear band spring cut out is a very sharp square. So it looks like I actually have a Remington stock without the RA.

**martin08** · 08-20-2012, 10:46 PM

Yes, those are Remington cartouches.

(but a Smith Corona trigger guard!)

**mac1911** · 08-20-2012, 11:38 PM

Im a shooting collector,,,,,,,SO keep me in mind when you want to sell one of those not so correct pieces. I just had my 1903a3 out today for some cast boolit testing. It was a sporter undo redo. Who ever did it did a fine job blueing the entire rifle every part looks really nice. Stock was lightly sanded and shelac or something applied. I can still make out some of the marks. I installed the CMP new stock set. Great shooting gun. Looks the part just not correct.
I learned the hard way to just leave things alone.

**Karl** · 08-21-2012, 05:40 AM

Call me an enabler, but I'd say look for another one. Buy another 03A3 and either keep this one as a "shooter grade" or sell it to re-coop the cost.

To be or not to be...what to do?

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