I ran across a sporterized Remington 03-A3 in a shop today that is on consignment. It was not done really well. Decent stock, recontoured military barrel with a nice front sight, and a Buhler style safety. It has a side mount for the crappy tasco scope and it looks like there are a couple extra holes under the mount. Has two bunged up holes on the right rear bridge for a peep sight that isn't there and the top of the bridge is filed flat. The action is slick as snot, original trigger is OK, and it has a milled bottom metal from a 1903. I wouldn't mind having a project and I should be able to TIG up the extra holes. Asking price is $295. Is that anywhere near reasonable?
Greg

i bought 1 here on AR a couple months ago for $200, delivered to my FFL dealer... it wears a weaver 4x scope, original military barrel, decent aftermarket stock... finish was kinda poor, receiver is not drilled with a bunch of extra holes, and it shoots 2" at 100 with 1975 korean milsurp... all i wanted was an action for a project, but got a decent shooter... this 1 is an 03....

If the barrel is in good shape it's worth right around that but I'd try to offer less, say $225.

For my money if it was a good 1903 it might possibly be worth that amount. For a 1903A3 I myself would pass on anything over $200.00 unless I really wanted a project bad. You don't say whether the barrel is a two or four groove but if it is a two groove it negates most everything good about it also, leaving a person with a fairly expensive action.

There are still decent 1903s out there to be had for in the $300.00 range and they make nicer actions to start with on projects. I myself would look for one of those.

quote:

Originally posted by Idared:
For my money if it was a good 1903 it might possibly be worth that amount. For a 1903A3 I myself would pass on anything over $200.00 unless I really wanted a project bad. You don't say whether the barrel is a two or four groove but if it is a two groove it negates most everything good about it also, leaving a person with a fairly expensive action.

There are still decent 1903s out there to be had for in the $300.00 range and they make nicer actions to start with on projects. I myself would look for one of those.

+1

quote:

You don't say whether the barrel is a two or four groove but if it is a two groove it negates most everything good about it also, leaving a person with a fairly expensive action.

Hi Craigtster

What do you have against two groove barrels?

Hey there Mr AC

Nothing at all, if fact, I have both. I was going to mention in my reply to Idared, that to me, 2 vs 4 grooves in a Springfield barrel isn't worth arguing about. If I had the choice, however, between a NOS (or primo used) 2 or 4 groove, I'd go with the 4.

I just bought a 1903a3 sporter on gunbroker for $250.
It has a decent Fajen stock, bueller safety, original bottom metal. The original barrel is very very roughly machined on the outside, but smooth on the inside.

I think $295 is too much.

KInd of weird I just picked up a 03 sporter today for $300. It has a 26in Mcgowan barrel and is done really well. I felt like getting some red plaid hunting clothes and a filson hat and hitting the woods. Also one of those TV screen Redfields is on it.It was done I figure in the 50's. I am excited to shoot it. I can't shoot it for a few weeks but am looking forward to it.