Accurate 1903A3

[Cold_Bore_88]

I am looking at getting a .30-06 in the future and I know I have seen one or two companies who make accurized 1903A3 rifles. National MatchI think is one and there is another I can't seem to find. I have a nice .308 and since I just "want" a .30-06, I figured I may go throw back. Hell, maybe even a Fulton Armory Peerless M1 Garand.

Any advice on the 03A3?

 

[arnie19]

Buy an original in good condition .They are out there with like new barrels .

 

[jbell]

Or buy a rifle in decent condition and have it rebarreled and bedded. I have wanted to do that for years but just have never gotten around to it.

 

[ArcticLight]

Fulton Armory - *used* to, I know their parts were quality but not sure on the service anymore.

I've bought a few parts, pricey, but decent stuff!

 

[Pinecone]

Another way is the 1903A4 from Gibbs Rifles.

1903-A4 Sniper Rifle

 

[Powermac]

If you're not afraid of you're wallet, Mike Lau at Texas Brigade Armory can set you up, and he does a very good job.
They're works of art just like his M70 rebuilds, and accuracy is good too.
The big downside is the price and time it takes to get one.

 

[pmclaine]

You can find very serviceable 03A3's for sale on the CMP Forum or over at Culvers Shooting Page Forum. If you plan to use it in any sort of CMP event it has to be as issued, no bedding. I have a honey hole in my neck of the woods and I see very nice 03/03A3 rifles quite often in the $700 range.

Many 03A3's were shipped with two groove rifling. They shoot fine. They wont be 1 inch rifles in service configuration but 2-3 inch is pretty good for old school technology. 4 inch was the acceptable expectation.

Remington is the more plentiful variety. You will pay a premium for Smith Corona. Dont expect all orginal parts. For reasonable pricing they will be mix master rebuilds.

Try to get a C stock if you plan on a lot of shooting. In my experience they are a little more comfortable than the straight stocks.

 

[kraigWY]

That's the route I took. A buddy gave me a real nice SC 'a3 action and a bunch of parts. I found a Weaver K2.5 at a local antique store and got the vertical split rings on e-bay. Had trouble getting a sear spring that would let the rifle make weight (2.5 lbs) so ended up making one. Found a un-issued '43 model 3 groove barrel and got a new C-Stock from CMP. Put the puppy together, sighted it in and the first time I shot it was at the Cody CMP Vintage Sniper Rifle where I got a bronze metal.

The scope has a post retical, but that doen't bother me, I've been shooting high power for over 35 years using irons with a post sight.

No Model 1903A4s were made on the SC action, they were all Remington's.

But the CMP considers and 'A3 an A3 so you can build a M1903A4 on any 1903A3 action. The closest thing I did to "match" the rifle was to square the front of the receiver with the threads.

The SC action is quite hard. You have to be careful in drilling and tapping the scope screw holes. I chickened out and had Chad (Long Rifles Inc) mill the screw holes for me. Turned out perfect.

 

[Cold_Bore_88]

I think I may look into the Gibbs. A lot of people are getting Sub MOA accuracy with them. I appreciate the input from all.

I will not shoot it in any events. It would be strictly a "want". I will probably put some type of 1-8 on it and still maintain "some" of the look. I just want it for hunting.

 

[polish handgunner]

Accurate Remington 1903A3?

Accurate Remington 1903A3?
Four shots at 240 yards from sandbag rest.
Handload consists of 200 grain cast bullet in LC brass with 20.0 grains of SR4759.
Annie is my spotter.

 

[classicshooter]

I think I may look into the Gibbs. A lot of people are getting Sub MOA accuracy with them. I appreciate the input from all.

I will not shoot it in any events. It would be strictly a "want". I will probably put some type of 1-8 on it and still maintain "some" of the look. I just want it for hunting.

I am currently selling my SC 03a4 reproduction. Let me know if you are interested and I can send you the info.

 

[hrfunk]

James River Armory is another one you might want to look at.

HRF

 

[downhill]

Look at Creedmore- they are advertising restored 03A3's with new Criterion barrels. And good advice about Mike Lau with Texas Brigade Armory- he does fantastic work.