1903 ?

[bill rayburn]

I apologise for not even knowing the designation of the bolt action rifle used by U S forces in world war 1. I saw an N R A competition which used only these rifles in non match grade. Are they still available from CMP or reasonably available on the open market.
Thanks BIll

[Steve in PA]

They are still available from the CMP for about $400.00. I'm still debating on whether I should get one (1903A3) to go along with my M1 Garand, or get a Bushmaster.

[bill rayburn]

Thanks Steve, I live in Ca. so no chance of a Bushmaster !
Bill

[Butch]

Actually, about one third of the US troops in WWI used the Model 1903.
http://www.odcmp.com/images/m1903rifle.jpg

About two thirds of US troops used the Model 1917 rifle.
http://img4.photobucket.com/albums/0603/ButchG17/Military/1917_enfield_002.jpg

The 1903A3 was used during WWII.
http://www.odcmp.com/images/m1903a3rifle.jpg

Of the three, for shooting purposes, I'd grab the 1903A3.




;?

[Steve in PA]

From what I've heard through several "Garand" shooting boards, there is supposed to be about a two-year supply of the '03 rifles left for the CMP to sell.

This fact is weighing heavily on my decision on whether to get an '03 or a Bushy.

[RonC]

Ah, heck.

Get both. Its only money.

[Steve in PA]

Oh, don't think I'm not contemplating that. I just need to figure out how to do it without the wife finding out ;P

I was thinking of sneaking one into the house, then pulling it out one day and say......."what, this old thing? I've had it for a while, just haven't really wanted to shoot it lately.........."

I think it might work, right???;g

[RonC]

How about "The women at the range are friendly in a different way than the women down at the bar."

[JinLA]

How much do sporterized 03A3s go for?
Someone locally is selling one that got a cut down barrel, but he also has a new barrel to restore it...tempting project. ;f

[Faulkner]

Here's a picture of my CMP Remington M1903(M) that was made in 1942 for WWII use.

http://pic13.picturetrail.com/VOL488/1124764/2120947/26037339.jpg

[bill rayburn]

Faulkner, thanks for the photo. Question, is there a site which will give advice on purchasing through the CMP ? Do you participate in any formal shooting competition ?
Bill

[RonC]

Visit CMP (http://www.odcmp.com)

[Faulkner]

Originally posted by bill rayburn
Faulkner, thanks for the photo. Question, is there a site which will give advice on purchasing through the CMP ? Do you participate in any formal shooting competition ?
Bill

Culver's Shooting Page (CSP) has a 1903 Forum with some good info.

CSP 1903 Forum (http://www.jouster.com/cgi-bin/03/03config.pl?)

[Bill73]

Here's a pic of my 03A3 from the old Golden State Arms purchased in 1967 for the princely sum of $19.95. The Lymun peep site mdl. 48 SS (Sharp Shooter) was added later. In '67 gun shops purchased military surplus through the DCM and sold mail order. The gun nuts were not even born then. I also have a Colt 1911A1 (1944) from the same place for the same price.

Those were the days!

http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL103/636041/1021439/11868088.jpg

[RonC]

Very nice.

When did the sight get moved from the front of the receiver to the rear? I have an 03 from 1943 (Remington)with the sight at the rear much like the sights on the M1. (Is that an 03A6?)

I bought between '64 and '68 from a bookstore across from the college I attended. $45 as I recall and he had quite a selection of older 03s and the later. I had read Hatcher's Notebook and was concerned about the strength of the action on the older so I got one of the newer.

[Bill73]

I called it an '03A3 because it has been rebuilt probably more than once. The serial number reflects Springfield Armory 1931 production. It has a H.S. barrel dated 11-44 and most of the other parts are Remington Rand. The site was added by my older brother. He said the Lyman 48 was what was on the rifles he fired on a rifle team at Fort Belvore (SP) Virgina in the '50s. I'm no expert on these. I have a Carbine, because I carried one in Korea, and a Garand because I fired them in basic. My main collection is the .45s.

[Butch]

Originally posted by Bill73
I called it an '03A3 because it has been rebuilt probably more than once. The serial number reflects Springfield Armory 1931 production.
It's certainly a Model 1903, it has the 1903 rear sight on the barrel ahead of the receiver. The 03A3 had the rear sight on the rear of the receiver where yours has the target sight now.

And you're right, it has been rebuilt at least once. The barrel markings show it was made by High Standard in November of 1944, and the stock is also a replacement, it's an 'S' or 'scant' stock with the partial pistol grip. IIRC, those stocks were made with blanks that were originally intended for the making of 1917 'Enfield' stocks, which is why it has the partial pistol grip.

How does it shoot? Does it have a small star stamped on the crown of the barrel?



;?

[Butch]

Here's a nice picture I found that shows, top to bottom, the 1903, the 1903A3, and the 1903A4.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/ButchG17/Springfield/US1903s.jpg




;?

[Bill73]

Butch, mine does not have the "star" marked barrel. I have never fired it. My brother was well pleased with the way it shot.

Here is a pic of my carbine, garand and two of my .45s.

http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL103/636041/1021439/34599711.jpg

[Faulkner]

Here's a picture of my M1 rifle, M1A1 carbine, M1 carbine, M1903, and S&W Victory revolver.

http://pic13.picturetrail.com/VOL488/1124764/2120947/43129786.jpg