Local gun shop has some surplus 1903 A3 and M1 Grands for sale.  I always wanted a 1903 the best part is these rifles are original, not repoduction.  The best part is it has history behind it, not just a rifle off the asembley line.  I was thinking to that its also a great investment and it has really become really difficult to find.  Going to check it out this Tuesday since the shop close today.  I have a thing for WWII guns.  Anyone share the same intrest and what do you guys think about geting it?  I just have to Ok with the wife.  Wish me luck!

I also have a thing for American guns from the great wars.  I've got a 1903a3, a 1903a4, a Garand and an M1 carbine.  Still in the market for a 1917, and dream of someday owning a BAR. 

Is there a way to run the serial number on the firearm to trace its history?

You can ask that on surplusrifle.com.  Excellent resource for the collector of milsup and C&R firearms.

I ran a Google search, and found this.  It's not terribly detailed, but if you just want a ballpark manufacture date, maybe it will suffice.

Thanks for the links tom g.  I got it today it was the last one he had.  Man i love it.  I'll post pics soon.  Hopefully I can go try it out tomm.

Is it ok to use CLP to lube it or is there a diffrent type of lube to use?

I use CLP on my 1903s.  Seems to work just fine.  On the carbine and the Garand, there are points that need to be greased, but nothing like that on the 1903.

This isn't, by any chance, the 1903 Mark I with the C-stock from Daniel's, is it?  If so, I covet thy firearm!

Are you refering to the letter that is stamped onto the stock? Mines has a P on the stock and OG marking on the butt.

No, there were 2 designs of stocks used on the 1903 family, the "scant" stock and the "C" stock.  The scant stock is a straight line from the trigger guard to the butt plate.  The C stock has a semi-pistol grip, not unlike a modern Monte Carlo stock.



The stamp you are referring to has to do with the unique history of the gun, possibly which arsenal assembled it, an import or export mark, an arsenal rebuild, something like that.  Again, the guys at surplusrifle could help you interpret that.

Thanks for the info.  Thats what I love about these old guns is the history.  I'm going to the range tomm to try out the 1903. 

I had mine out there last Sunday, ringing the steel.  And, with a little luck, I may be adding a 1917 to my collection very soon!

Just got back from the range.  Man the 03 has a mean kick to hit.  I had to man up. Shoots like a dream.  I want a Garand  now. 

I must have just missed you bushmasta. I got to the rifle side about 2:30. Do you have any pics of your 1903?

Just got back from the range.  Man the 03 has a mean kick to hit.  I had to man up. Shoots like a dream.  I want a Garand  now. 

The Garand has much, MUCH less recoil than the 1903.  Both will ring the 440 gong with authority, though!

I must have just missed you bushmasta. I got to the rifle side about 2:30. Do you have any pics of your 1903?

Aww foreal? When is the next time you going to the range? I'll try to go this weekend after work with the wife.  It depends how i feel because I get off at 8 in the morning.  I'll post pics up soon.

Quote from: bushmasta55 on July 14, 2010, 03:07:31 PM

Just got back from the range.  Man the 03 has a mean kick to hit.  I had to man up. Shoots like a dream.  I want a Garand  now. 

The Garand has much, MUCH less recoil than the 1903.  Both will ring the 440 gong with authority, though!

I bet! Yesterday was more like a fam fire.  I still have to zero in the iron sights.  I'm guess you have a scope on your rifle.  Oh SA has a sale on 30-06.

How do you adjust the elevation on the A3 sights? I know to adjust left and right is the dial on the right.

Aww foreal? When is the next time you going to the range? I'll try to go this weekend after work with the wife.  It depends how i feel because I get off at 8 in the morning.  I'll post pics up soon.

I probably won't get back out for another 2-3 months. I really wish I could go more often, but I have other responsibilities.

I bet! Yesterday was more like a fam fire.  I still have to zero in the iron sights.  I'm guess you have a scope on your rifle.  Oh SA has a sale on 30-06.

My a3 is iron sights only.  I do have an a4 with a scope, though.  It is one of two scoped rifles I own, the other being a .22.  I'm a big fan of iron sights!

BTW, I picked up a Winchester m1917 yesterday.  Planning on taking her to the range this weekend, could easily bring another .30-06 along! 

2nd BTW, I order .30-06 from the CMP.  Today's prices, with shipping, run around 60 cents per round.  Call that $12/box.  Beats any sale I've ever seen, even beats reloading.  If you're going to keep your war relics fed, and especially if you plan to add to your collection, you really ought to look into the CMP!

Congats on the new gun tom g.  Where did u get it at? I might go this weekend depending how i feel when i get off work.  I'm still trying to sight in the iron sights.  Is it ok to ship ammo true the mail if i do buy it true the CMP?