Posted on 03/08/2019 5:32:47 AM PST by Eric Pode of Croydon
Wanted one for as long as I can remember, now I am ready to buy.
Only two criteria
First, looking for one in original military configuration. (Prefer the 1903 to the 03A3, but that's not a must). The few I have found in gun shops or shows around my semi rural area have all been modded with new stocks, scopes, etc.
Second, must be a safe shooter. I've seen dozens for sale at on line gun dealers which all say "sold as collectors item only" and I'm not thrilled about buying that sight unseen.
Any suggestions? I'd be willing to drive anywhere in the OH-KY-WV area.
Is there an issue with modern ammunition?
I would look for a 03 shooter forum and start asking around. The Internet has everything.
There is a range of serial numbers to avoid below a certain number where the receivers were improperly heat treated and can be more brittle. It’s a well known thing you’ll easily find online.
Other than that exception, modern ammo is fine.
Decide if want a collectible or a using rifle. If it’s for a collection, modernizing decreases the value. You will want one in as good original condition as you can find and afford.
At this point, best I can suggest is to look on Gunbroker.com. The days of surplus ‘03s being in every corner gun shop are long over.
Look for an auction with lots of pictures, and a seller that’s been around a while (lots of feedback in *both* directions)—both are a good protection against scam artists.
If you want to know particular details, I recommend “Collectors Guide to the 1903 Springfield” or “’03 Springfield Service Rifle”, both by Bruce Canfield. There are other excellent books on the ‘03 out there (by Bill Brophy and Clark Campbell) but they’re a bit dated and often pricey. I also recommend the 1903 Springfield forum on milsurps.com...lots of input from recognized 1903 experts there.
For safety...look for a serial number above 800,000 (Springfield Armory) or 285,507 (Rock Island Arsenal). Some will claim that the “brittle receiver” problem of lower-number rifles is overblown or bogus...I just don’t buy that, sounds too much like internet rumor and things taken out of context. Anything beyond that, have a competent gunsmith look it over...so long as you’re not too picky (e.g. wartime replacement parts are acceptable) then parts are still pretty easy to find.
A nice upgrade to the 03 Springfield are the USMC improved sights, a thicker, higher front post and a larger rear sight aperture. S & S Firearms of Glendale NY have them on their website.
The higher front sight will require a higher front sight cover. Sarco used to have them but I have not checked lately.
Of all the rifles I ever had Dad’s $19 dollar 03-A3 was one of the best shooting rifles. I miss it but so it goes.
If you want a shooter that hasn't been sporterized, you will either comb Gun Broker and keep bidding until you win one for a price you're willing to pay, or else you'll have to plan on travelling to a lot of gun shows hoping to find one on a table that isn't too overpriced.
Places like Classic Firearms get them in occasionally, but when they do they typically last only a few hours before they're all snatched up.
Good luck, and make sure to post your find here when you get it!
Also Miltech of California sells refurbished Springfields which have been checked for functioning and look brand new. They are expensive but of excellent quality.
Checkout arms list.
They are on there occasionally and at a decent price.
If you want a shooter, you can try this:
http://www.gibbsrifle.com/1903-a4_sniper_rifle_.html
$1250 bucks.
Believe this is the only rifle Gibbs still produces.
Parts, go here:
https://www.fulton-armory.com/M1903A3-Springfield.aspx
If you want a collector/original, just be careful. As previously noted in posts above, there are some issues with the lower serial number receivers.
CMP Forums under marketplace, bolt action thread, always people selling 1903 and 03A3 rifles
http://forums.thecmp.org/forumdisplay.php?f=89
Thanks, I know about the receiver number issue. I’m fine with replacement parts as long as they are original appearance and in safe shooting condition.
Check out Wanenmacher’s Tulsa Arms Show. It held in early April and early November each year. It’s the biggest militarily exhibit around. Read up on Springfields, do your homework first, if you haven’t already. But at Tulsa you can handle more Springfields than at any other one place.
Even if you buy from Gunbroker.com, after handling a lot of them in person, you will have a better idea of what you are looking at on line.
Unfortunately, the Gibbs Rifle website says: NO LONGER AVAILABLE...OUT OF PRODUCTION.
The days of cheap surplus SKS's are over. The days of cheap Mosan Nagants are over.
If you see deals, GRAB THEM.
Yes, you are correct... I just saw it.
Sorry about that. Damn, it’s a fine piece.
I knew they stopped making other rifles (Enfield rebuilds, etc), but thought that was still in production.
You could check in one of the forums in here: https://gundynamics.com/about
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