How much is this sporterized 1903a3 worth?

[D51208]

Howdy, I have a chance to pick up a sporterized Springfield 1903a3.

From what I can gather from the photo and asking questions, the stock is synthetic The rear sight was replaced with the scope, the scope is a straight 4x Simmons, its been drilled and tapped for the scope rings which are Leopold. Apparently it is near mint condition.

What is it worth?
What should I look for when I go to look at it?
Any possibilities of going back to the original sight?
What about getting some better wood furniture or original furniture and how much would it cost?

Thanks for any help in advance!

 

[Red Tornado]

If you need a deer rifle, I'd go $3-400. The D&T destroys a lot of value, but I don't know about the rear sight or stock. It doesn't look too bad, but I'd hold out for a correct one if I was looking for a 1903a3. The real 03A3 guys can tell you a lot more, they'll be along when they stop crying.
RT

 

[cheeze]

Looks like a fine deer rifle, and that's about what it will always be. It doesn't have the original front sight anymore, the barrel looks like it may have been cut, and the bolt looks to have been bent or cut and welded and the finish removed. The finish on the gun is likely not original, and the trigger guard and floorplate don't look original either. I'd agree with the $300 range IMO.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

200 would be my max if I really needed a deer rifle.

 

[mnrivrat]

Unless it is a high end scope I would be at the $300 level.

Look to make sure the serial number is above 800,000 (Springfield Armory) or 286,506 (Rock Island Armory)

Make sure you can put the safety on, sqeeze the trigger without it going off, and then take the safety back off without the striker dropping.

All other general rules apply like checking the bore, etc. If you have head space gauges for the caliber take them along as well.

Good luck - I like the 1903 and have had several over the years. Used them to build a couple custom rifles as well.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Appears beyond restoration to original condition. Should be a fine hunting rifle. Should be in the $200-250 range.

 

[Il Duca]

Could be a good deer gun. I'd go $250 for something like that. NICE 03 sporters don't bring much more, maybe $400 range.

 

[Creature]

I paid $250 OTD for this 1903A3 with scope rings:

 

[Mobuck]

Clarification on the serial number range for safety-03A3 rifles are all safe.
It may be easy to replace the rear sight. On the scope bases I've seen the rearsight reverse dovetail is retained. If the original front sight base or boss is still there, a new front&rear sight can be remounted. Unfortunately, many of the barrels were chopped behind the front sight boss for cosmetics or due to muzzle wear.
Be advised, unless you get a good deal, the original rear sights are expensive.

 

[MrDig]

The biggest question about this gun is how the drill and tap for the scope mounts was done. I've seen them done wrong, too deep into the receiver and or completely through. The only way to know for certain is to take the scope off and check them.
200.00 to 250.00 is an ok price for the gun you pictured if the scope mounts aren't drill through the receiver.

 

[Jim Watson]

It looks like a very serviceable hunting rifle and not bad looking if you don't mind the tan synthetic stock. They even found milled 03 bottom metal instead of A3 stamped.

The barrel has been shortened to remove the military sight base and the bolt handle has been bent to clear the scope. Opportunity to "re-mil" it is just not there. Get it for what it is, or get Something Else.

 

[adelbridge]

if its been drilled and tapped it is worthless as a collector gun. I have one that has been sporterized and mine shoots as well as any of my new production guns. Personally I wouldnt pay more than $150 for that config but I am fairly certain it would make a great hunting gun.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

For me - it it simply no longer a 1903-A3 and that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Now, as a "deer" rifle built on an outstanding platform in an exceptional caliber I'd need to know a couple somethings:

Quality of bolt handle mod
Quality & method of scope mounting
Barrel?
Chamber & throat status
Front sight?

In short, more detail.

I have one -03 sporterized without any custom flourishes that I wouldn't sell for 700 bucks and have seen many that aren't worth "parts" money.

 

[D51208]

Unfortunately this guys wants way to much. I appreciate the advice everyone! You have all saved me a couple hundred bucks!

 

[saturno_v]

This was my first firearm purchase in America since becomimng a US Citizen in 2006.
A sporterized Mauser 98 in 30-06, it was modified in South Africa and I got to meet the original owner which used the rifle in several safaris.

Creamy smooth, incredible trigger, very accurate, stock with fancy pistol and forearm end caps.

The gun shop was asking $195 and I got them to trade it on par with a Beretta 92 Co2 Pellet pistol (they are made by Umarex and sold by Beretta) I brought from out of the country...yes that's right, no money, traded for basically a toy pistol ch I had no use for....the leather sling was included....

It had an old index reticle Weaver scope (a bit fogged up) which I got it sold on Ebay for $50!!!

Bluing in the barrele is worn off in some areas and the stock has few nicks and here and there which, in my opinion, adds character to the rifle.

Why in the world this rifle would be worth less than a used pasticky junk Remington 770 is beyond me but, hey, I take it......

I made a point to buy any sporterized rifle as nice as mine for peanuts as I got mine whenever I get the chance...


I will never understand why nicely sporterized rifles, if they have no famous name behind, sell for so little....the market does not seem to understand the difference between a nice piece and a hack job...

 

[Jackal]

In my area (PNW), a rifle like that would sell for between $250-$300.

 

[rondog]

Sorry, but "sporterized" and "near mint condition" are two terms that don't work together. JMHO.

 

[saturno_v]

Sorry, but "sporterized" and "near mint condition" are two terms that don't work together. JMHO.

Really?? How would you describe this beautiful custom sporterized Mauser 98 in 257 Roberts then??

 

[dirtyjim]

Sorry, but "sporterized" and "near mint condition" are two terms that don't work together. JMHO.

yet i've seen it many times, infact many of the very early nra sales rifles were simply restocked, fitted with a lyman 48 and a ross swivel sleeve on the barrel.
btw they bring more than the average mint military 03