which 03 is the best.

sandhillbilly · 01-15-2003, 09:39 PM

I am going to purchase a 03 in the near future. I am not schooled on 03s. I know there are different variations. I will be buying this rifle to shoot. Is one model or type of 1903 more accurate or better then another? Which sight is the best.
Thanks sandhillbilly

Indy · 01-16-2003, 07:32 PM

If you get a high serial number the 03 it is better because it has 4 groove rifling. The 03-A3 has two groove rifling. I mention high serial number because of the brittle receivers of the lower numbers which blow up. A few months back I read an article in a magazine describing the Springfields and their qualities. Actually, the author claimed the standard issued rifles were not very accurate. The Enfield was a better military rifle. Sgt York used an Enfield to earn the medal of honor.
If I can find the article I will pass along the information. Please keep an eye for assembled rifles from parts. There are a lot out there that are not very good. A DCM rifle would assure you of a quality rifle.
Indy

sandhillbilly · 01-16-2003, 09:38 PM

Thanks Indy!
Thanks for the info. If you find the article, the information would be useful and appreciated.
Thanks again
Sandhillbilly

grizzly · 01-16-2003, 09:58 PM

Hey Sandy,

I'll doublecheck the serial number on my 03 but I love it and accuracy is not an issue...By the way..My 3 yr old son say's he loves your "yodaman" icon...

grizzly · 01-16-2003, 10:02 PM

3739853 Been put on a sporter stock and barrel stamped with Burning Bomb Cartouche and 5-44 near where front sight used to be...Wouldn't trade it for all the tea....

Michael M · 01-17-2003, 02:22 PM

The 03-A3 has a "peep" sight, the 03 has the older ladder style. I have one of each, and the aperture sight is MUCH easier to use. The other sight has too small of a notch for my old eyes. Good for target work, but hard to acquire a sight picture in a hurry. Just in case, look at the serial number to make sure that it is over 800,000. There was a problem with the heat treat in the very early receivers, and they should be wall hangers only. Both of my rifles are 4 groove barrels, accurate, somewhat lighter than my 1917. I think both the '17 Enfield and the Springfield are excellent rifles, but I wouldn't want the 03 sight in battle. Since I'm not in any battles, pick the one you like!

sandhillbilly · 01-17-2003, 07:26 PM

Thanks for the info.
Serial numbers over 800,000. I will keep that in mind.
If the serial number is over 800,00 will it have a 4 groove barrel?

Thanks sandhillbilly

Rick the Librarian · 01-19-2003, 08:20 AM

If you're just looking for a "shooter", I would suggest ordering a Remington or Smith-Corona through CMP (www.odcmp.com). They tend to come in the best shape.

The high/low numbered problem are only a problem with Springfields and Rock Islands - all Remingtons and Smith Coronas were made with the newer technology.

Virtually all Springfields and Rock Islands were made with 4-groove barrels. Some of the later Rem and SC had 2-groove barrels. Most reports say that there is little or no difference in accuracy.

I agree the sight on the 03A3 is easier to use, but the '03 sight isn't that bad in a target situation; not sure I'd want to use it in a battle situation with bad guys coming, though!

Rick the Librarian · 01-19-2003, 08:22 AM

Forgot to mention - Springfields over s/n 800,000 and Rock Islands over 285,507 were made with double heat-treating and are considered safe to shoot.

Dale · 01-19-2003, 09:35 AM

I have a Springfiled Remington A3 with a serial number of 348XXXX and it shoots right up there with my Swedes.

I have not shot an Enfield, and I don't know anyone personally who has one, so I can speak for the Enfield VS Springfield accuracy comparison but I'd be willing to go head to head with an Enfield with my Remington.

The only thing about my Remington is it has the rear peep sight and when it's set for 100 yards a piece of the rear of the sight base actually obscures the very lower half of the peep hole. Although it doesn't interfere with the sight patern too much you have to learn to adjust the picture every so slightly to make sure the front blade is centered.

When I took it to Legendary Guns in Phoenix to have it looked over, the gunsmith (reknown in Phoenix as being the 'man') said it had one of the tightest clearances he has ever seen in a Springfield.....be it a 1903 or 1903 A3. So, I guess I got lucky all the way around.

My wife even likes to shoot it and the last time out she was putting 1 1/2" centered groups at 50 yards which you could cover with a silver dollar. I was only getting 2 1/2" groups at 75 yards but I figure in the hands of someone with good eye sight it'd be even more deadly.

drillman63 · 05-26-2004, 11:38 PM

I have a a3 03 rem. made in1943 sept . unfired what is it worth? are there many like mine left? Is mine a good one to keep ?? thanks

lefty o · 05-26-2004, 11:47 PM

i kinda like the 03a4 myself, but really cant justify the $$$$ to buy one.

Dale · 05-27-2004, 09:20 AM

Ah, Lefty, don't ya see??????

Having the love for 1903A3s (for their shooting ability, history, beauty, etc.)is justification, alone, for spending the money for one.

Heck, since this thread started I've picked up another and I have my eyes on yet a third.

Some like to collect AKs or CZ52s, like Joe, some like to collect Swedes, yet others like to collect Mosins, while some people have a handful of 1911 .45ACPs, etc. but I think that 1903s and 1903A3s are one rifle that is sure to increase in value.

In my opinion, anyway.

Edit: pardon my ignorance as I now see you referrenced the 04. Yes, the 04 is slightly more but I think even it might still be worth it, Lefty. :nod:

Oxford · 05-27-2004, 10:04 AM

I'm in agreement with Dale. The O3A3 is a smooth shooting and accurate rifle. I inherited my Rem 03A3 from my Father in Law who bought it through the NRA in about 1961 for only a few bucks. It's barrel is dated 6/43. I used it for deer hunting two years ago. :nod:

01-15-2003, 09:39 PM	#1
sandhillbilly Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: NEBRASKA SANDHILLS. EAST OF CHERRY COUNTY Posts: 18	which 03 is the best. I am going to purchase a 03 in the near future. I am not schooled on 03s. I know there are different variations. I will be buying this rifle to shoot. Is one model or type of 1903 more accurate or better then another? Which sight is the best. Thanks sandhillbilly __________________ GUNS ONLY HAVE 2 ENEMIES:RUST AND POLITICIANS AN ARMED MAN IS A CITIZEN. AN UNARMED MAN IS A SUBJECT.

01-16-2003, 09:38 PM	#3
sandhillbilly Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: NEBRASKA SANDHILLS. EAST OF CHERRY COUNTY Posts: 18	Thanks Indy! Thanks for the info. If you find the article, the information would be useful and appreciated. Thanks again Sandhillbilly __________________ GUNS ONLY HAVE 2 ENEMIES:RUST AND POLITICIANS AN ARMED MAN IS A CITIZEN. AN UNARMED MAN IS A SUBJECT.

01-16-2003, 09:58 PM	#4
grizzly Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: PDR of IL Posts: 653	Hey Sandy, I'll doublecheck the serial number on my 03 but I love it and accuracy is not an issue...By the way..My 3 yr old son say's he loves your "yodaman" icon... __________________ When white man found this land, Indians were running it. No Taxes... No Debt... Plenty Buffalo... Plenty beaver! Women did most of the work. Medicine Man free! Indian men hunted and fished all the time! White man dumb enough to think he could improve system like that. "The constitutions of most of our States assert that all power is inherent in the people; that... it is their right and duty to be at all times armed." --Thomas Jefferson to John Cartwright, 1824.

01-16-2003, 10:02 PM	#5
grizzly Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: PDR of IL Posts: 653	3739853 Been put on a sporter stock and barrel stamped with Burning Bomb Cartouche and 5-44 near where front sight used to be...Wouldn't trade it for all the tea.... __________________ When white man found this land, Indians were running it. No Taxes... No Debt... Plenty Buffalo... Plenty beaver! Women did most of the work. Medicine Man free! Indian men hunted and fished all the time! White man dumb enough to think he could improve system like that. "The constitutions of most of our States assert that all power is inherent in the people; that... it is their right and duty to be at all times armed." --Thomas Jefferson to John Cartwright, 1824.

01-17-2003, 07:26 PM	#7
sandhillbilly Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: NEBRASKA SANDHILLS. EAST OF CHERRY COUNTY Posts: 18	Thanks for the info. Serial numbers over 800,000. I will keep that in mind. If the serial number is over 800,00 will it have a 4 groove barrel? Thanks sandhillbilly __________________ GUNS ONLY HAVE 2 ENEMIES:RUST AND POLITICIANS AN ARMED MAN IS A CITIZEN. AN UNARMED MAN IS A SUBJECT.

01-16-2003, 07:32 PM	#2
Indy Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Indiana Posts: 334	If you get a high serial number the 03 it is better because it has 4 groove rifling. The 03-A3 has two groove rifling. I mention high serial number because of the brittle receivers of the lower numbers which blow up. A few months back I read an article in a magazine describing the Springfields and their qualities. Actually, the author claimed the standard issued rifles were not very accurate. The Enfield was a better military rifle. Sgt York used an Enfield to earn the medal of honor. If I can find the article I will pass along the information. Please keep an eye for assembled rifles from parts. There are a lot out there that are not very good. A DCM rifle would assure you of a quality rifle. Indy

01-17-2003, 02:22 PM	#6
Michael M Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 58	The 03-A3 has a "peep" sight, the 03 has the older ladder style. I have one of each, and the aperture sight is MUCH easier to use. The other sight has too small of a notch for my old eyes. Good for target work, but hard to acquire a sight picture in a hurry. Just in case, look at the serial number to make sure that it is over 800,000. There was a problem with the heat treat in the very early receivers, and they should be wall hangers only. Both of my rifles are 4 groove barrels, accurate, somewhat lighter than my 1917. I think both the '17 Enfield and the Springfield are excellent rifles, but I wouldn't want the 03 sight in battle. Since I'm not in any battles, pick the one you like!

01-19-2003, 08:20 AM	#8
Rick the Librarian Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: NW Washington Posts: 218	If you're just looking for a "shooter", I would suggest ordering a Remington or Smith-Corona through CMP (www.odcmp.com). They tend to come in the best shape. The high/low numbered problem are only a problem with Springfields and Rock Islands - all Remingtons and Smith Coronas were made with the newer technology. Virtually all Springfields and Rock Islands were made with 4-groove barrels. Some of the later Rem and SC had 2-groove barrels. Most reports say that there is little or no difference in accuracy. I agree the sight on the 03A3 is easier to use, but the '03 sight isn't that bad in a target situation; not sure I'd want to use it in a battle situation with bad guys coming, though!

01-19-2003, 08:22 AM	#9
Rick the Librarian Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: NW Washington Posts: 218	Forgot to mention - Springfields over s/n 800,000 and Rock Islands over 285,507 were made with double heat-treating and are considered safe to shoot.

01-19-2003, 09:35 AM	#10
Dale Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Too Dang Hot, Arizona Posts: 4,284	I have a Springfiled Remington A3 with a serial number of 348XXXX and it shoots right up there with my Swedes. I have not shot an Enfield, and I don't know anyone personally who has one, so I can speak for the Enfield VS Springfield accuracy comparison but I'd be willing to go head to head with an Enfield with my Remington. The only thing about my Remington is it has the rear peep sight and when it's set for 100 yards a piece of the rear of the sight base actually obscures the very lower half of the peep hole. Although it doesn't interfere with the sight patern too much you have to learn to adjust the picture every so slightly to make sure the front blade is centered. When I took it to Legendary Guns in Phoenix to have it looked over, the gunsmith (reknown in Phoenix as being the 'man') said it had one of the tightest clearances he has ever seen in a Springfield.....be it a 1903 or 1903 A3. So, I guess I got lucky all the way around. My wife even likes to shoot it and the last time out she was putting 1 1/2" centered groups at 50 yards which you could cover with a silver dollar. I was only getting 2 1/2" groups at 75 yards but I figure in the hands of someone with good eye sight it'd be even more deadly. __________________ "It confuses me how some people can vigorously go against the 2nd. Amendment and still call themselves patriotic"-me

05-26-2004, 11:38 PM	#11
drillman63 Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 1	I have a a3 03 rem. made in1943 sept . unfired what is it worth? are there many like mine left? Is mine a good one to keep ?? thanks

05-26-2004, 11:47 PM	#12
lefty o Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: mn Posts: 4,806	i kinda like the 03a4 myself, but really cant justify the $$$$ to buy one.

05-27-2004, 09:20 AM	#13
Dale Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Too Dang Hot, Arizona Posts: 4,284	Ah, Lefty, don't ya see?????? Having the love for 1903A3s (for their shooting ability, history, beauty, etc.)is justification, alone, for spending the money for one. Heck, since this thread started I've picked up another and I have my eyes on yet a third. Some like to collect AKs or CZ52s, like Joe, some like to collect Swedes, yet others like to collect Mosins, while some people have a handful of 1911 .45ACPs, etc. but I think that 1903s and 1903A3s are one rifle that is sure to increase in value. In my opinion, anyway. Edit: pardon my ignorance as I now see you referrenced the 04. Yes, the 04 is slightly more but I think even it might still be worth it, Lefty. :nod: __________________ "It confuses me how some people can vigorously go against the 2nd. Amendment and still call themselves patriotic"-me Last edited by Dale; 05-27-2004 at 02:19 PM.

05-27-2004, 10:04 AM	#14
Oxford Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gladstone, Missouri Posts: 13,023 Blog Entries: 4	I'm in agreement with Dale. The O3A3 is a smooth shooting and accurate rifle. I inherited my Rem 03A3 from my Father in Law who bought it through the NRA in about 1961 for only a few bucks. It's barrel is dated 6/43. I used it for deer hunting two years ago. :nod: __________________ "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right".