Price check on 1903a3

[BsChoy]

How much would you say a pristine 1903a3 Rock Island Armory with a 3XXXXX serial number should go for? Not sure if all matching but this looks like it has never seen cosmo or any long term storage. They are asking 799.00 close or not?

 

[mordrid52]

Is it a 1903 or a 03a3? Rock Island Arsenal only made 1903s while Remington and Smith Corona made the 03a3s.

Personally, that seems pretty high to me unless it was a pristine condition, all matching, non WWII refurb rifle with a mirror-like bore. Check the date stamped on the top of the barrel. It should be late 1918 or early 1919 based on the serial number (which means it is guaranteed to never have seen action in WWI in case that matters to you). Otherwise the barrel has been replaced. Is it blued or parkerized? If it is parkerized, it is a WWII refurb.

 

[USSR]

BSChoy,

If that is a Rock Island with a 300,000 serial #, then it is a 1903, not an 03-A3. Depending upon condition and originality, it could be worth it.

Don

 

[BsChoy]

I thought the tag said 03a3, pardon my ignorance but I have never been really up on the 1903 variants except for the 1903a4 sniper which I would sell body parts for...I don't remember the date on the reciever and I figured it was possibly teens or early 20's production. I will get a better look at it on tuesday when they open back up. Trying to get a CMP M1 before the new year and the 800.00 bills on this one would end that dream. the 1903 has such nice lines though! Not to alter my own thread but I don't belong to any of the groups mentioned on the CMP site but am active LEO. And if I read right I am eligible per that fact right? Thanks guys!

 

[Jim Watson]

You should get up to date on the 1903 variants before you lay down your money. As said Rock Island did not make any 03A3s, they had closed down long before WW II and their machinery went to Remington around 1940.

There is not a " date on the reciever" of a USGI 1903. A 300,000 range rifle would have been made in 1918 with double heat treating and is a good example of the type; if in good condition and original configuration. I sure would not pay $799 for one that wasn't.

What is the barrel date and maker's mark? (just behind the front sight)
What kind of stock does it have? Straight grip, pistol grip, semi-pistol grip?
What kind of bottom metal does it have? Machined with detachable floorplate or stamped and welded?
Are there inspector's marks visible on the stock?
There is a lot more to know about an '03 but that will get you started.
See more at http://m1903.com/

 

[BsChoy]

Thank you Jim, I will check back with the store and see how much info I can ascertain. This is why I ask you guys on things like this first. Thanks again