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03-A3 Unfired

railman72
I have a 03-A3 that is unfired with original bill of sale from 1930's where my grandfather purchased the weapon from the Us Arsnel in NY State.

Any market for this weapon in the unfired condition or should I sporterize this weapon?

Thanks
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Comments

14 comments

Date Votes
  • ruger41
    you're joking right? If it truly is unfired(doubtful as most all weapons are at least test fired) and you alter it you will absolutely destroy any collector value. Go look on the auction side and see what sporter versions are going for ($150 etc) and then see what untouched ones are going for[;)] If you need a hunting rifle sell it as is and go buy something new that you can put a scope on--or shoot that one with iron sights. I was just given a sporterized '03-A3 and I WISH it had been left alone.
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  • rufe-snow
    03 A3's didn't go into production until the Second World War, i.e. early 1940's.

    They were sold in virtually new condition through the NRA/DCM starting in the early 60's. The one I bought appeared to be unissued. As I remember, it cost around $17.00. Wish I still had it.
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  • railman72
    Well I wasn't joking as the barrel still has the preservative in it when it was purchased. I am aware of the test firing but I was making reference to the fact that it has never been fired by myself or my grandfather as we have other 30-06 weapons to hunt and shoot.

    Thanks for your help anyway.
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  • nmyers
    Since the 1903A3 wasn't developed until WW2, there may some part of the story that has become confused over time.

    I have no idea what you have, & we'd need some good photos in order to figure that out. But, in all probability, whatever you have will certainly best be preserved in it's current state.

    Neal
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  • railman72
    Then why would I have a bill of sale with the seriel number listed that matches the gun dated in the early 30's? Hmmmm maybe I have an o3 and not an 03-A3????
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  • railman72
    Thank you gentlemen for your information. It is now time for me to a little more research on this weapon as it appears from you assistance it was manufactured in '43 and it is an 03-A3 but it still has the barrel coated with preservative and I know that no member of my family has fired the weapon.

    Thanks again for oyur help and assistance.
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  • jonk
    A nice 03A3 will sell for $700+. If you can somehow verify to the buyer's satisfaction that it is unfired- and your bill of sale, etc. helps that- I'd wager at least double that figure.
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  • He Dog
    You can be sure it will today be worth significantly more than was paid for it then. As you can see most of these collectors get heart palpatations when you mention "sporterize."
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  • Emmett Dunham
    No picture, no rifle, if you need research done on your rifle you can get it done right here, put a picture up if you have it and you will got all the info you need. Seem like someone with a handle like rifleman72 would know that you don't sportorize a unfired milsurp rifle.


    Emmett
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  • select-fire
    Why would you sell your grandfather's rifle in which you now have? I would not care what it was worth.
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  • Radar
    Whats the date on the end of the barrel ?
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  • navc130
    There is definetly a collectors market for Springfields, 1903 and 1903-A3. One in excellant condition would command a premium price.
    The CMP was selling the Service grade for $495 and they were not pretty. It is very desireable as a military collectable weapon. Do not sporterize it. You would be surprised at the cost to make a decent looking sporter out of it. And if you leave the origianl barrel on it, it still would weigh nine pounds with a scope.
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  • 11b6r
    Please describe the rear sight of your rifle, the finish of the rifle- blued or parkerized, and whether the magazine floor plate is removable. These are defining differences between the 03 and 03A3 that are easy to identify. Remington did not begin production of the 03A3 until 1942.
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  • dfletcher
    quote:Originally posted by railman72
    I have a 03-A3 that is unfired with original bill of sale from 1930's where my grandfather purchased the weapon from the US Arsnel in NY State.

    Any market for this weapon in the unfired condition or should I sporterize this weapon?

    Thanks


    Whatever you do, don't "sporterize" it. Any value the thing has will be lost and I mean no offense, but unless you're an outstanding artisan it probably isn't going to turn out all that well. Folks used to sporterize these things in the 50's & '60's when they were viewed as cheap surplus. Those days - along with the mail order delivery that brought them straight to your door - are long gone.

    Just offered as a suggestion, as always - your gun, your call.
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