03A3 Question

[HerkyBird]

I know NOTHING about 03A3s, but my uncle has one for sale for $300. He works at a LGS and picked it up for that price so it wouldn't get gone. He has offered it to me. What questions should I be asking to determine if it is worth it? All I know thus far is that it does not have the rear sight.

[jbkf1003]

I don't know much either, other than I want one.. But I would say unless it's a drill rifle and everything is welded It's probably worth the risk for that price (maybe even if it is a drill rifle).

Justin

[jak]

Pictures would help.

Basic question for start would be:
Is it a Remington or a Smith-Corona ?
What's the serial number ?
If there is no rear sight, has it been drilled and tapped for a scope ?
(you would be extremely lucky if it was an original A4 instead of an A3 that was drilled and tapped)
Has it been sporterized ?

[HerkyBird]

I don't have pics. He's in GA, I'm in MS. I believe it is a Smith-Corona. I assume the Remington is worth more? I was told it is an A3, but what's the difference between an A3 and an A4?

[HerkyBird]

Also, what serial number range is desired?

[jak]

Smith-Corona's are more desirable just because fewer were made than Remington.
There are really no valuable s/n ranges. Being near the beginning or end of production
are slightly more desirable though.
A4 is the sniper version of the A3, but only made by Remington.
S/N and barrel date to verify if they are matching.
You can use "vi shooter's" site to verify dates
http://www.vishooter.net/m1903.html

[mike9905]

If it is functioning 03a3 $300 is a steal. Non-functioning would be rusted bore, drill rifle, or sporterized. O3a4 is a rare sniper rifle worth big bucks.

[canes7]

Buy it now.

[Old Guard]

Ok, the part about rear sight missing?? that is the way my parade rifle came..he did not mention chrome, wonder if it had a front sight blade..they can really mess up a nice rifle when the convert it to parade or drill use...