M1903-A3

jshatch

April 21, 2009 13:35

I was just given an M1903-A3 (ca 1941). It is in pristine condition and doesn't appear to have ever been fired.

My questions are:

1) Is this a very valuable gun (worthy of insurance, etc)
2) would the value be greatly affected if I fired it?

Thanks

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  rufe-snow

  April 21, 2009 13:50

  There selling for between $400 & $700 on the auction depending on maker and condition.
  
  It's been at least test fired, when first manufactured. I don't see you causing any loss in value as long as your careful with it.
  
  
  If possible all the members would appreciate you posting photos of it.

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  Blairweescot

  April 21, 2009 14:04

  Not a terribly rare piece, but it is desireable
  
  The value is not going to be affected by firing it unless it can be some sort of documentedly pristine yadda yadda

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  nmyers

  April 21, 2009 16:11

  1) Value depends upon manufacturer, serial number, originality of parts, which parts (if any) have been refinished, & condition (including bore description). You haven't given us enough information to estimate value. However, ANY gun needs 1 basic type of insurance --- storage in a safe/gun locker.
  2) Firing it may have a very slight effect on value, but probably less than just working the action 10-20 times.
  
  If original, it will probably have a mixture of blue & parked parts, plus a cartouche on the stock.
  
  
  
  Neal

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  Mobuck

  April 21, 2009 17:23

  Many of the after war refurbs look "pristine/unfired". I got one from CMP 1 1/2 tears ago that was honestly barely used-definitely not battle used. A while back a guy posted about a "new" 03-A3 because it still had the grease in the bore. All stored rifles got the cosmoline treatment.

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