[goon]

I recently stumbled onto an '03A3 for $185. The metal is in great shape but the stock has had a hack-job done on it and there is a scope on it as well.
I am thinking about buying it to rebuild it back to original military configuration.
I know that it would probably not ever have collector value, but I am thinking that it would make one hell of a shooter.
Should I?
Would you?

[standingbear]

you can easily replace the stock.you mentioned the scope...how is it attached?did someone butcher the receiver attaching the scope as well?if its not butchered..id get it.03s are fine shooters and expensive.whats the rifling like?

[critter]

IN A NEW YORK MINUTE!!!

[WhoKnowsWho]

For $185? I have a box of 30-06 waiting for me to purchase my Garand, but for that price, the '03a3 would be fine! :D

[hillbilly]

A 30-06 rifle of American manufacture for less than $200?

Uh....OKAY!

hillbilly

[charleym3]

If you don't want it, let me know who the seller is. I'll take it.

[MuzzleBlast]

You should tell me who is selling it at that price, and then forget about it.

[ReadyontheRight]

These are great rifles in both Bubba and non-Bubba configuration.

Get it! Buying a 1903 in 2003 -- what's not to like?

[diyj98]

That's more than I'd put into it. I love the 03's in unaltered condition and have several of them, but I'd rather have a modern rifle for hunting. Have you checked the bore? It may very well be pitted and/or worn.

[ElToro]

be wary of Springfields with serials <800,000 otherwise that rifle would be in my dealers back room waiting the 10 days so i could bail it out of jail..

cuz you see, i live in a state that thinks a law abiding guy like myself would take a specimen of history like this and rob a 7-11 in the midle of the night... i digress

BUY IT !!!

[m.i.sanders]

I'd get it! I just wouldn't know how I'd explain to the wife why I needed another rifile like I already have when I don't have room for the ones I've got.

[Cal4D4]

You should make sure it isn't a National Ordnance receiver. If so, $185 is about par.

[goon]

I will check it out a little more the next time I get in to see it.
I probably won't be able to afford it with the FAL that I just ordered.
But if any of you are interested after I get more details I will tell you where it is.

[seeker_two]

Heck. The action itself is worth far more than $185--even if it's one of the weaker actions.

I'd buy it in a heartbeat & have another gunsmith check it out. If it's OK w/ standard .30-06 loads, I'd restock & shoot it to see if it needed any further work. If it's not safe w/ .30-06 loads, I'd have it rebarreled for a lower-pressure cartridge (i.e. .257 Roberts, .300 Savage, .22 Hornet, etc.) and still make a shooter out of it.

















(Well, why are you wasting your time reading this? GO BUY THE :cuss: THING!!!)


:D

[goon]

Here is the deal.
I can't swing the rifle at this time, but I will tell you guys where it is if you want to look into it.
It is at Bob's Army & Navy in Clearfield, PA.
According to my brother, there is a REM 7-44 stamp on the barrel. There is a scope on the reciever that is drilled and tapped in, so I can't see what is on it. I am too sick to even get in to look it over again so this is all I have.
They have a website for anyone who is interested in it.

[Cal4D4]

If a National Ordnance receiver, "NATL ORD" would appear on the receiver bridge above the chamber, probably covered by any scope mount. My example has a barrel labeled "RA" and "8-44". Serial numbered 50148xx. These are parts guns on "after market" receivers.

[SapperLeader]

I would jump on that rifle in heart beat. Even if you cant use it as a shooter, It would be fun to restore back to its orgininal configuration and use it as wall hanger or conversation piece. Heck, leave it in its bubbaized mode as a example on what not to do to historical pieces!