dementlr
Active Member
Opinions on this rifle? Too expensive?
https://www.aimsurplus.com/product....ail&utm_term=0_6870497a6a-d4499dceb9-17855761
https://www.aimsurplus.com/product....ail&utm_term=0_6870497a6a-d4499dceb9-17855761
I guess it depends on what you are looking for. If I recall there was some speculation in the past that while they are original, they are welded receivers (ie they were once cut for decommission). That said, if you want something as close to new as you can get, this is likely it. New stock, barrel, park finish, ect. I have several 1903s and they are all GI issue in good shape and didn't pay near that for any of them. But I got them more for the history then looking for them to be tack drivers.
If they're from Gibbs like they were in the past, they'll be restored drill rifles. You can find them on the second hand market for a lot less since drill rifle restorations are cheap.
You can get a non-drill rifle 03A3 with the original barrel for $600-800 generally. You can get a Minelli C stock from Brownells for about $200 if you want one for shooting.
Drill rifles weren't cut. They had the barrel welded to the receiver at the bottom of the receiver ring and the cutoff welded. The CMP sold a lot of those off in bulk for very cheap after they got recalled from JROTC use. A few vendors bought them to salvage receivers and whatever other parts were usable.
Especially since they're sold out now...
This Smith-Corona arsenal re-work looks pretty nice (caveat that I don't know much about these), for a little less + a bulletproof guarantee:
https://www.legacy-collectibles.com/new-items/08287-1903-a3-smith-corona.html
I really need to go to this Chantilly show I keep hearing about.Get one at Chantilly. Look for a guy near the front. Ruger's Lugers.
If he does not have what you want, tell him and he will let you know when he gets one.