1903A3 smith-corona price check

[1KPerDay]

I'm buying one of these, straight stock (the style I like) and was wondering what the consensus is on a good price. Barrel is 1943, TE and MW of 1 or less, stock has been refinished and marks sanded off (I don't really care about the marks; I want a shooter). This is my first '03 though I've wanted one forever. (well, I inherited a sporterized one in .270 but I don't count that one).

I'm not going to try to re-negotiate a price; the verbal agreement is done (long distance purchase). I just have a history of being a little too eager when purchasing rifles I've been wanting for a while and I guess I would just like to hear from others to ease my nerves a bit.

 

[marsche]

For what it is worth - the current Blue Book of Gun Values lists an all original 03A3 at 100 percent condition at $1,000 plus 25 percent more for Smith Corona. At 60 percent the rifle is worth $300 plus 25 percent. So, for your rifle, add 25 percent to the 1,000 and then subtract for the stock, finish, or other incorrect parts and you have a ballpark book value.

 

[shuvelrider]

FWIW, the Blue Book and other books are a guidline and suggestive in the market. That being said, how much you desire to have a particular gun will determine the value or good price to you, sometimes we pay more then we should but the enjoyment of owning and shooting that peice makes it worthwhile and we can always make more money. Not to say we dont look for a good deal or haggle to bring down the price abit, every bit of wear on that gun should be taken into consideration for a fair deal. Hopefully you are not paying an eccessive price and can look over the gun in person before buying, especially for an example to shoot. An A3 is an A3 but some folks try to build up that Smith Corona name.

 

[1KPerDay]

I don't know if I'm paying excessive. I'm paying a bit more than they're going for at the CMP but I figure this way I'm guaranteed a good barrel and I can see a pic of the rifle beforehand. I just wondered what others who know more about these rifles were paying or seeing them go for.

the seller allows a 3-day no-shoot inspection. I can't say i know enough about these rifles to recognize any problems. I don't have headspace gauges, for example.

 

[30Cal]

Not really sure what the going rate is. A decent price for a pretty clean mixmaster IMO would be $100-200 above what the CMP charges for a service grade.

 

[paintballdude902]

i agree with 30

the cmp has the best prices no doubt but if you dont want to go that route anything under 200 more than the cmp is decent

 

[1KPerDay]

Cool, thanks. I would certainly rather buy from the CMP if they could guarantee me a good barrel. But their description is pretty pessimistic and it would be my luck to get a shot-out one. The few reports I've seen from those who've bought them have been really encouraging, but I just don't trust my luck.

 

[paintballdude902]

lol i know the feeling

if it helps the cmp grades tend to be worst case senerios

 

[redleg0811]

Ask if the finish is Parkerised (greyish green phospate?)or blued. If it is blued then it is a Greek return that came from CMP. I think I paid $425-50 for my CMP Greek return.

 

[1KPerDay]

When?