I got a Springfield 1903A3 itch

[srtsam]

As of late I have a want or rather a need to get a ww2 1903 sniper rifle. I know next to nothing about them. I have been doing some Internet searching but like everything you can' t believe you read. So, I would like some direction from folks here that know what they're talking about. I plan on shooting the rifle so collector pieces are not really

an option. The furtherest I shoot at the moment is 300 because that is the max of my range. I guess the most important questions are: should I opt for a surplus or old 1903 or get one by one of the companies that completely refurb them to look new and add modern match grade barrels. What is the correct scope for the 1940's model? Really, where do I start without wasting money. Thanks in advance

 

[18Echo]

Re: I got a Springfield 1903A3 itch

I think a company refurb is a waste of money. You can refinish the wood yourself quite easily using oven cleaner, different grades of sandpaper and Rit die. Krieger has 1903a3 profiled short chambered barrels and I believe they even offer complete chambering if you send them your action, or just get the barrel and have your own smith do it. Only the sniper versions had the scope, if you're only shooting to 300 you'll be fine and it will be more challenging with irons.

 

[Badshot308]

Re: I got a Springfield 1903A3 itch

The Blue Press by Dillon Precision, has an article on the M1903A4 sniper rifle in the December issue. Per the article, the Lyman Alaskan, Weaver 330C and 330M8 scopes were used with the majority of the scopes being the Weavers. Gibbs makes the reproduction rifles http://www.gibbsrifle.com/1903-a4_sniper_rifle_.html.

 

[Northland]

Re: I got a Springfield 1903A3 itch

miltecharms.com

I think thats the name of the place

 

[DV]

Re: I got a Springfield 1903A3 itch

Miltech does offer them (1903A4) but the wait is long and the price is pretty high.

There are usually several U.S.G.I. `03A4`s on various auction sites. They`re pretty hard to fake since the receiver markings on the A4 differ in location from the A3.

The price difference between the Miltech rebuild and an untouched A4 isn`t that much.

You`d do best to avoid anything made or sold by Gibbs Rifle Co.


Bruce Canfield has a pretty good book coveribg the 1903 variations, Wm. Brophy has a big volume on the 1903.

Decide what you want then look for it-

 

[Rainier42]

Re: I got a Springfield 1903A3 itch

See below, have seen them for sale on the CMP boards before. Just remember, you will be paying a premium price for a true 03A3 sniper. You may be better off purchasing a solid 03A3 and then converting.

http://forums.thecmp.org/forumdisplay.php?f=11

 

[samnev]

Re: I got a Springfield 1903A3 itch

Don't get the Gibbs repro. I've seen one of them and the cheap scope they used fell apart after the owner had fired less than 20 shots. Save your money and get the real thing. They will only go up in value and are in high demand. Just my 2 cents.

 

[srtsam]

Re: I got a Springfield 1903A3 itch

Sounds good
Thanks for the advice.

 

[Long_Action]

Re: I got a Springfield 1903A3 itch

Just make sure you know what you are buying... a true 1903a4 will run you $3/4000. You need to know what to look for! C stock, receiver offset stamping, correct bolt & stamped or milled parts. A true sniper 1903 is a bit different than a 1903 mark1, 1903, or 1903a3.

 

[srtsam]

Re: I got a Springfield 1903A3 itch

A friend suggested the a4, which is probably where'll I'll end up going.

 

[samnev]

Re: I got a Springfield 1903A3 itch

Many A4's had a scant C stock as well as full C stock. Don't overlook A4's with the M84 scope. They are mainly Korean and Vietnam era snipers but will cost you $400-$500 less and you'd still have a real A4. But be aware they are not tack drivers. As others have said make sure you know what you are buying. Canfields book on WWII weapons has a good section on what to look for on an A4.
Good luck in you search.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: I got a Springfield 1903A3 itch

With S/A doing M1A's and M1's, could be prettty nice if they also did an '03 repro. I know about the Gibbs A4 repros and they're neato, but I'm more interested in coveting the A1 and A3.

Provide an 'S'-style Stock, choice of stamped or cast bottoms, choice of A1 or A3 sights, maybe some nice quality barrels.

That would catch and hold my interest.

Greg

 

[B&C]

Re: I got a Springfield 1903A3 itch

A4's are out there and every once and a while one comes up for a good price. My advice is if you are spending the money save up and get an original. They will only go up in value over the years like most other military weapons. I just got my first a few months ago and couldn't be happier with it, although like was stated by santo, they are not tack drives. Even so you wont be disappointed with an original. Hope you find one.

 

[samnev]

Re: I got a Springfield 1903A3 itch

I'm almost positive that a real A4 should have all stamped parts if correct. I've owned quite a few A3's and A4's and have never seen one with milled parts. Someone please correct me if i'm wrong.