Did I get a good deal?

[acarpenter]

I just bought a 1943 Remington 1903A3 and am curious if I got a good deal. The wood is in mint condition, the overall condition of the metal I would say is very good, but may be excellent after I clean it up a bit.
it was 600 +tax.
aaron

[M14man]

You got a fair deal there. A3's vary from $450 for a tired one up to $850 for a minty one. So if your gun is clean, bore looks good, you did OK.

[two-70]

they bring a pretty good premium these days, m14man hit it right on the head

[mosineer]

As M14man and two-70 have most eloquently decribed, and in the condition you have stated, I would say BIG AOK and CONGRATS!!!!

*****************************************************
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing

[acarpenter]

I appreciate it guys, I will post some pictures in a week or so.

[Paper]

Aaron,
I too, just bought a 1903A3 Smith Corona in about the exact same condition that you described, and I paid $650 out the door.

I thought about it for a night before buying, but I checked what they're going for on Auction Arms and GunBroker, and rifles of much worse condition are going for more money, so the next day I stopped in and bought it.

I had the money earmarked for another Garand from CMP, but after checking what they're selling for elsewhere, I couldn't pass up on the rifle.

Unfortunately, I'm in Illinois and have a 24 hour waiting period, and I bought it on Saturday, AND I'm going to be in Upstate NY til Wed, so the first stop after I get my luggage back will be the local gunshop to pick up my new addition..

The shop I bought it from doesn't accept Curio and Relic licenses, so I had to fill out the 4473 form and wait like everyone else.. After I get home and put the rifle in my book, I'll be cleaning it and heading to the range..

I'll show you mine, if you show me yours..

[acarpenter]

Awesome brother.
I will post pics as soon as I go pick it up, because unfortunately it will be on layaway for about a week until I get paid
I am going to hate waiting that long to take it to the range...
however.... I will be getting my K98 in on about thursday that I ordered from ClassicArms... supposed to be EXCELLENT condition... we will see.
So what if I am addicted to guns. So shoot me. Haha.
(4 guns in two weeks)

Btw, Mine has the two groove barrel. I have heard they are supposed to be just as accurate as the 4 groove. Anyone hear anything?

I missed out on a different 03A3 that sold about five days ago at this same gun shop that was BREATHTAKING. The metal was so perfect. It had the four groove barrel, it makes me sick that I missed out on it. So I bought this one because the wood was in even better condition, though the metal on mine was a tad under it, but didn't want to be kicking myself in the future for missing out on both.

[Paper]

Originally Posted by acarpenter

So what if I am addicted to guns. So shoot me. Haha.
(4 guns in two weeks)

That's a good start.. I picked up 6 guns in 2 hours today.. Problem was, I looked at number 7, but passed..

Anyway, here's the pics of the 03A3 I got to pick up today.. I'll take some better pics at the range on a nice sunny day, but this'll get you an idea..


It's a 7-43



That grain line runs from the butt to the end of the stock. Not sure why it so pronounced in the photo.


The stock has been refinished. The stamps are there, but not pronounced. I think it was lightly sanded and then coated with BLO.. Condition is as good as I think it could be, and my muzzle check with a M2 round shows the same as my service grade Garands, with almost 1/4" of distance between the muzzle and the brass.
Now to get out and shoot it!!

[acarpenter]

Wow. My addiction isn't quite to your level yet. Awesome purchase though! It looks really nice and comparable to mine. My stock looks almost identical to yours so I'm sure it has been refinished as well, but you can't really argue with how pretty the cherry color looks like that. I took it to the range and was very happy with the result (all five shots within three-four inches), and I am by NO means an expert shooter. I just like to have fun with it.
I will be posting pics of mine for you guys to check out soon. I lost my digital camera cable. Haha.

p.s. I am looking into purchasing a CMP carbine and garand at some point, both in the service grade, but am wary of what they might send me... have you been happy with yours? I am debating if I should go the CMP route or just find one on Gunbroker/ AuctionArms/ GunsAmerica.

[big boomer]

You guys are so lucky the ones around here are about 150.00 higher in cost and hard to find in good condition. (however I have a friend who bought one off and old retired officer in mint condition for 150.00 a couple years back what a steal)

[acarpenter]

HOLY CRAP!! what a find.

[Paper]

Originally Posted by acarpenter

p.s. I am looking into purchasing a CMP carbine and garand at some point, both in the service grade, but am wary of what they might send me... have you been happy with yours? I am debating if I should go the CMP route or just find one on Gunbroker/ AuctionArms/ GunsAmerica.

I've got 2 Service Grade Garands, and one Rack Grade Carbine.. All from CMP..
Here's a quick batch of photos of them.

Springfield Service Grade Garand


H & R Service Grade Garand


Inland Rack Grade Carbine


I couldn't be happier with any purchases, more than what I've received from CMP. It takes patience, but you'll be well rewarded, and the price will be much less than from an auction site..

[acarpenter]

All I have to say is DAMN those are pretty. Much moreso than I expected actually!
I am expecially surprised at the "rack grade" carbine!!!
bores pretty nice on the Garands?

p.s.

[Paper]

Nice looking rifle!!!

As far as the Carbine, it's an early serial number'd Inland and the barrel has had a LOT of rounds through it since 12/1942.. It shoots fine, and the finish on everything is very good, but the muzzle wear is what puts it out to Rack Grade. It'll smack a paper plate at 100 yards with every shot, but it's not going to win any accuracy contests.

The bores and rifling on both Garands is fantastic!!! My hillbilly method of muzzle wear is a M2 round, where I measure to the brass. Both Garands, and the 03A3 are almost 1/4" from the muzzle to the brass.. As a reference, the Carbine is a touch more than 1/16"..

[Bravo]

Wow, nice looking guns. I have a feeling that I might have another M1903 in my future, one without the tapped receiver and with iron sights

[Paper]

I'm really looking forward to shooting mine. Both the H & R Garand and the 03A3 are new to me, and I haven't had time to shoot them due to that 4 letter word.. Work..

I got the H&R a few weeks ago but hadn't had time to sit down and clean the cosmo out of it until last saturday night.. She's ready now!!

And of course, it's snowing out, again..

[acarpenter]

Yes Bravo, I think you should get one, because I think it is my new favorite. I will probably get another one in someday.

Thanks for your help Paper. I have decided that I will go ahead with the CMP route. Most likely for the Garand AND Carbine. haha. I think they are about to put up some service carbines in April.

Anyone know why the metal on some of the 03A3s, such as mine, tend to take on that Greenish tint?

[Paper]

Originally Posted by acarpenter

Anyone know why the metal on some of the 03A3s, such as mine, tend to take on that Greenish tint?

That's parkerizing..

Here's a link on info.. Parkerizing - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Many firearms that are Parkerized turn to a light greenish-gray color within a few years, as the coating ages, with the protective coating remaining intact. Cosmoline, especially, interacting with Parkerizing, can cause the highly-desired and attractive greenish-gray patina to develop on firearms that are stored in armories.

[GlockMeister]

acarpenter. The one way to find out is simply by asking this. After getting it, and seeing it in person and looking it over, would you have still paid what you did and of still wanted it? If that answer is yes, then nothing else matters. If it matters, I think you got a good deal and it looks fine.

[Paper]

Originally Posted by GlockMeister

After getting it, and seeing it in person and looking it over, would you have still paid what you did and of still wanted it?

Amen..
I'm currently soaking the barrel of mine in Hoppes to remove any copper that might be in there, and then cleaning it and giving it a good coat of light oil..

For the last half hour I was sorta watching TV, but mostly just looking at the 03A3 and studying it.. There might have been a bit of grinning, too..

I can't wait to shoot it, but the rifle has a feel of completeness that I don't feel with some guns.. Solid, smooth.. It's a fine machine.. I'm looking forward to seeing it perform.. My guess is that it shoots better than I do..