MachIVshooter
Member
So, back in '06, I was at a small local shop, and I spotted what looked like a Type 99 in a dark, dusty corner, away from the for sale rack. I asked about it, and my initial guess what correct. It turned out to be a pretty clean specimen, with a partially in-tact mum. So I asked him what he wanted for it, to which he replied "fifty bucks". I couldn't get my wallet out fast enough. After handing him the cash and marveling at my new prize, he says "here, wanna take this too?". "This" was a completely stripped down Remington 03A3-just a barreled receiver with stock. Of course I said yes, though.
I would search out parts online or at gun shows from time to time, but just never did plunk down the $300-$400 to piece it back together. So for nearly a decade, it has sat in the back of my safe.
Well, last week I was cruising some sites, looking for a reasonably priced M16A1 parts kit. Really none to be found (all $500+, and without barrels), but I did stumble across an 03A3 parts kit for $149 at Sarco. It was everything I needed except the front sight base (which is en route now). It showed up today, and I immediately went to work cleaning off cosmoline to begin assembly. After about an hour, I have a working rifle! I still need to check headspace, although my redneck check (closes easy on a loaded round, stiff on a fired case) says it's most likely fine.
Someone had drilled & tapped for scope mounts, but the rear hole is covered by the sight, and the forward one honestly isn't very noticeable. I don't really care; it's a shooter anyway, and a sub-$200 03A3 at the end of the day!
I would search out parts online or at gun shows from time to time, but just never did plunk down the $300-$400 to piece it back together. So for nearly a decade, it has sat in the back of my safe.
Well, last week I was cruising some sites, looking for a reasonably priced M16A1 parts kit. Really none to be found (all $500+, and without barrels), but I did stumble across an 03A3 parts kit for $149 at Sarco. It was everything I needed except the front sight base (which is en route now). It showed up today, and I immediately went to work cleaning off cosmoline to begin assembly. After about an hour, I have a working rifle! I still need to check headspace, although my redneck check (closes easy on a loaded round, stiff on a fired case) says it's most likely fine.
Someone had drilled & tapped for scope mounts, but the rear hole is covered by the sight, and the forward one honestly isn't very noticeable. I don't really care; it's a shooter anyway, and a sub-$200 03A3 at the end of the day!