[AppyPappy]

Is there an issue with modern ammunition?

[Vermont Lt]

I would look for a 03 shooter forum and start asking around. The Internet has everything.

[Badboo]

Gunbroker.com is your friend. Over ninety listed there.

[Spok]

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.

[M1903A1]

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.

[Finnwolf]

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.

[wastoute]

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.

[Yo-Yo]

Decent shooters in original configuration (but not necessarily numbers matching) are going for well North of $2,000 on Gun Broker.

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!

[magyars4]

Checkout arms list.
They are on there occasionally and at a decent price.

[NFHale]

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.

[utdutt]

CMP Forums under marketplace, bolt action thread, always people selling 1903 and 03A3 rifles

http://forums.thecmp.org/forumdisplay.php?f=89

[Cincinnatus.45-70]

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.

[DCBryan1]

First get a Type 03 FFL (Curio and Relics).. Cheap, easy, and can ship C&R guns RIGHT to your front door. Second, check gun broker for 1903s as comparison. Great shooter. Pick up some M2 AP (black tip). Fine rifle for punching armor.

[taxcontrol]

I found mine in a pawn shop. Had to clean up some rust and spend some extra time on the after market sight that was added, but it was a great buy.

[waterhill]

TTIUWP!!!!!!!!!!!!

[NFHale]

Check this one out:

http://www.miltecharms.com/rifles.htm#M1903

[Celtic Conservative]

J&G sales has a whole bunch listed in their curio & relic category right now. Several look to be good shooters. FWIW.

CC

[archy]

I'd be willing to drive anywhere in the OH-KY-WV area.

If you're willing to expand your travel list a bit, you might give the Indy 1500 Show a try. So-named due to the 1500 tables of all sorts of guns, used, new, military, sporting, collectible and defensive and accessories of all sorts as well, you'll want to wear comfortable shoes. It's held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis [I-70] and you'll find the show dates here.

If you need an Indiana licensed dealer who can make a no-fee transfer for you, give me a FReepmail.

Additionally, Simpson, Ltd in Galesburg IL often has some pretty fair Springfields for sale. They're on an Amtrak route, which can simplify travel, or can be dealt with via the internet.