I'm new to 1903s, so need a little education.

Here is what the CMP has available now:

I. M1903
a. High Serial Numbered Springfield
b. Mark 1 Springfield
c. High Serial Numbered Rock Island
d. Remington

II. M1903A3
a. Remington w/S stock

I'm leaning toward one of the M1903s, but whats the scoop I need to know to really make a good choice here???

Thank you for any input.

RSY

The 1903's have the rear ladder sight in front of the receiver. The 1903A3's have an aprature sight mounted on the rear of the receiver.

1903's have machined parts, the 1903A3's have lots of stamped parts.

Most of the 1903A3's have 2 groove barrels instead of the 03's 4 groove barrels. Accuracy seems unaffected between the two.

The 03's have more value on the resale market than the A3's.

Personally, I've had both and found them to be equally accurate. The stocks are short and with a lot of drop which we find uncomfortable to shoot today. Nothing that a lace-on cheek rest and a slip-on buttpad won't compensate for.

The 03's always just felt better in my hands, tho! :D

I read on the CMP site that a significant number of the 03s have "WWII" barrels on them. Do you think that means 2-groove???

So, among the 03s available I listed, are there any to avoid or to seek out???

RSY

Yes, WWII barrels were mostly made with 2 grooves as a war expedient after it was found accuracy was not affected. That means those with such barrels have been armory refurbrished and not in original condition.

Forgot to mention previously that the pre-WWII 03's were mostly blued. The A3's have parkerizing.

Most collectors seek the Rock Island arsenal mfg'd A3's - don't really know much about the same with the 03's.

The MkI 03's have a slot milled in the left receiver wall to act as an ejection port for the Pederson Device that was experimented with in WWI and the early 20's. This device allowed the firing of a .32 ACP type round from a 30 round magazine in the semi-auto mode. Wasn't too successful and later abandoned. A somewhat rarity, it could have potential greater value than the standard rifle.

Any of these rifles would be fine ones to own and shoot as is. I've probably destroyed any value on a half dozen in my early years modifying them as sporters, a very popular thing to do back in the 50's and 60's. Had several that came my way that were left unmodified and enjoyed in the military configuration. As said earlier, the addition of non-permanent attachments such as buttpads, cheek rests and non-gunsmithing scope mounts helped bring out the full potential of these great old rifles.

RSY,

How well do you shoot iron sights? The ladder (on front of forward reciever)on the 03s are farther away and fine. The A3 has the rear sight above the rear reciever bridge and is an apeture type. If your used to shooting a M1 Garand, M1 Carbine, M14 or M16 go with the A3. I've owned both and still have my 03A1 made in Dec 41. Shot my first deer with it unaltered.

Grab an 03 mk1 or high Springer!!!!! :cool:

The CMP rifles are not new and may show considerable wear. I have 1903s and and 1903-A3s and like them all. I would agree that if I had to pick one it would be a high number Rock Island or a Mark I Springfield. All the best...
Gil

I'm dredging up this old thread from the past.

From the CMP site:
These rifles are not new from manufacturer and some have seen considerable use. All appear to have been rebuilt at one time or another. Many appear to not have been fired since being rebuilt. Rifles are coated in grease or cosmoline and will require a thorough cleaning after purchase. CMP has inspected each rifle for completeness and headspace.

I want to get one that is still a shooter and one that I can use at my clubs "Vintage Rifle" matches. Even might deer hunt with it.

How do I figure out of these rifles are good enough for this?

Any of you guys by an '03 recently from CMP?

Thanks!

I'm dredging up this old thread from the past.

From the CMP site:


I want to get one that is still a shooter and one that I can use at my clubs "Vintage Rifle" matches. Even might deer hunt with it.

How do I figure out of these rifles are good enough for this?

Any of you guys by an '03 recently from CMP?

Thanks!

Not sure what the CMP has on hand right now. If your club is a CMP-affiliated club, they can get the rifles at a discount. Just like the clubs with competitors get a break on ammo. A fellow at our club bought a 1903 high number Springfield. It was well used and the bore was rough. Some of these rifles were collected from veterans service clubs and may have been fired with corrosive blanks and not cleaned properly.

I have all the rifles listed at the top of the page. I prefer a high number 1903 Rock Island because they made fewer of them. So it depends what you prefer and you cannot go wrong with any of them. . Just get a high number if you select a 1903. All the best...
Gil

R030SHS High Serial Numbered Springfield w/ S Stock $400.00
R030SMS Mark 1 Springfield w/ S Stock $400.00
R030REMS Remington w/ S Stock $400.00

Looks like the field has narrowed...