Thoughts on an 03-A3

[majspud]

I've always wanted to use that one.

Then this:



I was in Hartford today at a conference. I thought I'd visit a gun shop or two on the way back and 'window shop' for the holidays. I told myself, "self, remember the camera;" and I forgot the camera. Maybe because I had to get up at 4AM.

I didn't find a M17, but I found a mint Remington 03-A3 with a serial of 3M and a 6/43 RA barrel. Park finish is perfect; literally one nick. The owner said this was Grandpa's rifle straight out of the closet. I trust this guy and there is evidence to believe it with the amount of dust at the inside bottom of the trigger guard, nose cap, and rear sight. A couple passes of the bore brush yielded a superb bore. Both bands, bolt body, nose piece, and cocking piece "R" marked. Didn't see a mark on the trigger guard. FJA proofed stock, crossed cannon proof, and four small proofs in front of the trigger guard; a few scuffs on the top of the butt plate and a chip out of the right side handguard at the rear band.

$100 off for me; $700.

Worth putting on my "list"?

MS

P.S.
1. Had aftermarket M1907 style sling, looked new.
2. No sight hood.

 

[dhuze]

The CMP just sold theirs for $500. $700 is probably going to be the norm for a short while then the prices will go up when people find out they aren't going to be getting one from the CMP. I'd look for one for a bit less but I also just got 2 from CMP. Condition is going to be the biggest factor right now.

 

[vellnueve]

In that condition I'd pick it up.

 

[magoo]

Sounds like a good deal. Is it a two groove or 4 groove barrel. I have a Greek return and a non returned one. I use one at the CMP shoots at the club. I paid $500.00 for the Greek one and $650.00 for the other.

 

[OfficerObie59]

In that condition I'd pick it up.

Same here provided it's exactly as described.

 

[JuergenG]

The rifle being as described would fetch $ 1,500 over here easily.
Yup, that's a whopping fifteenhundred+ bucks.
My vote is "go for it".

 

[majspud]

Well, I emailed five items of trade bait that I hope he finds interesting. I'll let you know.



MS

 

[majspud]

Haven't heard yet; I think Sturbridge is under two feet of snow.



I took a risk and tempted fate. I ordered an original U.S. WWII web sling marked PKW 1944, and an original sight cover for $40.

Now I need an 03-A3 to go with them!

MS

 

[JuergenG]

That's like buying a handbag for the Missus and then a car to match the handbag's color.
Been there, done this

 

[Maninblue1861]

id get a repro M1907 leather sling from orion7 enterprises, with parkerized hardware. Always partial to the leather slings look over the web. think of all my garands 03's ect, only 8 have web, rest leather.

 

[majspud]

The rifle already has a repro M07 style sling on it; this will be for display in the safe. I'll swap slings for shooting WHEN the time comes.

MS

 

[Maninblue1861]

Ah good call then good luck on the search