Anybody who has one or the other have any advice? Lately, I've got a desire to get one. Probably the A3 version because of the peep sight.

One or the other better for any other reason? If I get a bad one, does one or the other lend itself to rebarreling or sporterizing easier? Do these tend to be more accurate than the Garands?

I appreciate any comments.

Steve

FWIW either is a good rifle and there's so few of them anymore that I think they need to be used "as is". Either can be sporterized however.
Comparing a bolt action '03 or 03-A3 to a semi auto Garand id a bit of a apples/pears thing.....properly bedded both can be surprisingly accurate.

I'd let personal taste rule over concerns for reliability or functionality.

I had an 03 and have an 03A3. I seem to remember the sights on the 03 starting at 400yds. It was a Remington 2 grove barrel and shot in the 3 moa range with factory ammo. The craftsmanship on this piece was wonderful. I needed some money and made $200.00 when I sold it. Wish i still had it.

My 03A3 is an all matching Remington 9/42 with a 2 groove barrel. I have taken 2 east Texas deer with it. The load was with IMR 4350 and a 168gr BTHPM. The doe was about 60yds and took ten steps before she dropped. The buck was about 150yds and ran another 150yds before expiring. My loads would stay well inside 2 moa. This is my only collector type firearm and has not been shot in over 10yrs.

Only one of the 2 Garands I have owned would out shoot the 03A3. But the Garands are a hoot to shoot. Both of my M1s looked like crap, but they always ran, that's why I liked them. I am Garand less at this time but will get another.

If you are looking for a shooter I would lean to the 03A3. The 03 has too much historic and collectors value to be chopping it up for a sporter. The 03A3 will be in the same boat soon. Both are very well made with the edge going to the 03. As for the M1, there is not much to compare to its form and function. But you pay your money and take your chances with it. (IMHO)

Thanks, guys,

I'd like to leave the rifle in its original config, but I definitely will want to shoot it. If it's not accurate, I don't want to feel like I'm chopping up a collector's piece by rebarreling. And I'm thinking of going through the CMP, so no telling what I'll get.

I might eventually want an M1, too. In my past life, I drilled with and shot those things, and they are a blast. But I prefer the 03 A3 with the peep, I think.

Steve

I have a 1903 that was built in about 1921 at the Rock Island Arsenal. It has been sporterized, and has a home made stock on it, and a shot out 30/06 barrel on it. But I paid a $100.00 for it, and the real beauty is the action on that rifle.

Keep your eye out for one of those because they are around. I will put a boyds laminate grey stock on this one, and this one will probably find itself being a heavy sporter barreled rifle in 6mm Rem with a 1 in 7 twist. This thing is put together like a 53 Buick for heavy duty and the refinements of a Swiss watch for workmanship.

The next owner will be either after I am dead or my son, when he grows up. I'd grab another Springfield in a heart beat. Just wish I had been around when they were a dime a dozen... I'd own a couple of dozen!

cheers
seafire

I've got 3 of each and love them all. Because of my age and eye sight, I like the sights on the A3 the best.

I have two 1903s (.35 Whelen and 338-06) and one 03/A3 -- sort of -- (a 6.5-06). "Sort of" because I replaced the stamped trigger guard with a milled 1903 triger guard and floor plate assemble. And of course they all have Timmney triggers. Like that 03 action and they are all obviously wearing custom barrels and wood.

I've done a few searches, and it looks like the 03 is definitely the classier, more finished piece. All of these would be armory rebuilds (from CMP), so there won't be a numbers-matching rifle.

Okay, I'll admit it. I love the looks of the sporterized 03's. If one of them doesn't shoot, dick and Hacksawtom, hopefully one of you will do penance for me by putting one more back to military original.

I did a search and found the hairdryer hint for removing cosmoline. Anybody have any further hints or sites where they discuss getting them from level A pack in cosmoline to shootable?

Steve

quote:

Anybody have any further hints or sites where they discuss getting them from level A pack in cosmoline to shootable?

click the link below for a discussion on this very topic:

http://www.baitshopboyz.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=8200&PN=1

Hey, thanks.

Steve

quote:

Originally posted by skl1:
Anybody who has one or the other have any advice? Lately, I've got a desire to get one. Probably the A3 version because of the peep sight.

One or the other better for any other reason? If I get a bad one, does one or the other lend itself to rebarreling or sporterizing easier? Do these tend to be more accurate than the Garands?

I appreciate any comments.

Steve

The '03's are better finished and have all milled steel parts, and a sorry sight! The 03-A3's have better sights, but stamped parts and a rough finish! If all you want is a shooter, get the A3. If you want to build a great sporter, get the 03!!

Thanks, El Deguello,

I ordered a Springfield 03, a Remington 03, and a Remington 03 A3 from CMP. I'll let you know what shows up.

Anybody know the inside length of the magazine box on these?

Steve

quote:

Originally posted by skl1:
Thanks, El Deguello,

I ordered a Springfield 03, a Remington 03, and a Remington 03 A3 from CMP. I'll let you know what shows up.

Anybody know the inside length of the magazine box on these?

Steve

The milled one’s are 3.39 inches long...don’t own any A3’s so I don’t know what they might be but would assume they’re pretty close to that also.

Thanks, Rick.