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Springfield 1903 A3

h4ckthis
I've recently come into ownership of a Springfield 1903 A3. It's in excellent condition (still has some of the original packing "goo"). According to an online SN database I found, it was made in 1942 or '43.

Any recomendations on care and feeding? I would like to keep it in the best shape possible, and don't intend on firing it much. (Took it to the range recently and the 30-06 left some slight brusing!)

I would like to mount an original (or look-alike) scope. I have heard there are mounting kits that don't require any drilling/smithing. Any thoughts on where I can pick one up?

Thanks!

SS


"That a well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained to arms, is the proper, natural, and safe defence of a free state..."
Article 13
Virginia Bill of Rights
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • Hangfire
    If you really have an 'A3 in the condition you describe, please do nothing to it other than keep it clean.They were never meant to be scoped. The 03A4 was the issue arm that accepted a scope, and they are specifically marked as to model.Just use an oiled cloth, and don't even think of redoing the wood.Thank you!!!

    Love them Pre-64's!!!!-Bob
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  • v35
    A few years back there were surplus Springfield bolts on the market for $8.50. These were A-4 bolts, offset to clear the scope eyepiece.
    You would need one of these. Next you would need the proper Redfield Junior scope mount that fits over the rear sight dovetail and properly matches the front receiver ring curvature.
    A threaded hole in both the dovetail and the receiver ring have to be cut by a gunsmith in the case hardened receiver to mount the Redfield Junior.
    If you can scare up a Lyman Alaskan, M81 or Weaver 330 scope you'll be all set with an A4-gery except for the markings and their location.
    To reconvert, you'd only have to explain away the threaded hole in the receiver ring. The rear hole would be hidden by the rear sight.
    Frankly, the A3 with its' better alloy steel construction and longer sight radius than its' predecessors is a better, stronger gun that needs to be shot and not just looked at. The stamped trigger guard and other stamped metalwork are rough and disgusting. The early,low s/n, finely made Springfields are the ones to be collected and not shot.
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  • nmyers
    v35, yes, but....if he follows your advice, he will convert a rifle worth $600-1,200 into one worth $150-200.

    Neal
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  • Hangfire
    quote:Originally posted by nmyers
    v35, yes, but....if he follows your advice, he will convert a rifle worth $600-1,200 into one worth $150-200.

    Neal


    Well said Neal!!

    Love them Pre-64's!!!!-Bob
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  • MIKE WISKEY
    as the above posters have said forget the scope, keep it oiled, and get some mil. surp. ammo from the odcpm (odcmp.com). this is good clean u.s.g.i. and loaded lighter than u.s. commercal ammo (150 gn +- bullet at 2500/2600 f.p.s. across my cronograph)
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  • v35
    I think I answered the question somewhat tongue in cheek.
    Having had my fill of A-3s and A-4s I view them as $200 rifles and inferior to Mausers. Scarcity in my eyes can't overcome their intrinsic worth.
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  • Iroquois Scout
    Another point against converting your 03A3 to an 03A4 is the fact that the last M81 scope that I saw go for sale went for $500 without the mounts.
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  • king999
    Whenever you consider altering a fine military rifle, remember "Morty's Rule";
    EVERY DOLLAR YOU PUT INTO THE ALTERATION REDUCES THE VALUE OF THE RIFLE BY TWO DOLLARS !!!
    Have fun, be careful!
    Morty
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  • trstone
    It's your rifle, do what you want to with it. This "historical" or "collector value" crap is simply that---crap. Chances are that rifle was refurbished at an arsenal at least once before you got it, so if these "collectability" fanatics are to be believed, the gun should (comparatively speaking) be worth "zip" anyway. If you're really concerned about "authenticity", then by all means go to the trouble of finding a repro or genuine scope-mount for a WWII Springfield. I don't see any reason why a person should buy a gun and not shoot the darn thing, especially if it's in good shape---it strikes me as a form of insanity to sit there with a firearm, caressing it and polishing it and mumbling about "Won't ever shoot Precious...Precious is collectible gun..." If you want something valuable to keep locked away and never used, then go invest in a gold bar or something.
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  • v35
    If you can get $1200 for it I'd say grab it. A hot military collector will savor that military cosmoline and tuck it away never to see the light of day. There's nothing beautiful about that gun except its microstructure and you can't see that. If you want to fondle as well as shoot a Springfield, get a late model '03 and bank the profit.
    The M81 scope was a good one and had a history.
    I sold a USMC marked Kollmorgen scope for $1000 and had even higher offers after it was sold. While it was used on the M-1, it wasn't during any war period and had no history. Nontheless, avid military collectors bid up the value beyond reason because it was USMC Sniper issue.
    Yours is a instance where "Buy low and sell high" really makes sense.
    Gold bars take less space and dont rust.
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