I was at my LGS picking something up last Sunday. I told myself to go STRAIGHT to the counter...DO NOT....LOOK...AROUND....

Did I take my own advice....fuck no. I spotted a classic looking hunting rifle in the used case that was in immaculate condition. Not a scratch or scuff on it. Looked at the tag...."1903A3". Price - $369.

Hauled ass to the counter, asked an associate to see the rifle. Inspected everything for a few minutes. Asked him to get the paperwork.

Stock is an old Fajen. Someone had this professionally done, definitely not the work of Bubba. Bore is immaculate, appears to be 2-Groove. Serial number on the receiver is 502****. Scope isn't the greatest, but it's a 4-12x40mm Vortex with Vortex rings...so not the worst either. I tossed a level on the receiver and the scope was actually level...further confirming the previous owner was "smarter than the average bear".


Popped the bolt out, cleaned it, inspected it. Tested loading and feeding with dummy rounds. All checked good.

I have 200 rounds of Norma Whitetail on the way, looking forward to putting some rounds through it.

You stole that rifle!

dayum, keep looking out the window for the cherries and berries. some one is going to be coming to find out when you are going to pay the rest of the ballance.

$369? I would have sprained my wrist pulling out my wallet.

quote:

Originally posted by Herkdriver:
$369? I would have sprained my wrist pulling out my wallet.

True story!



When I was filling out the paperwork, they said they had just taken it in the day before. Luckily, I showed up bright and early to pick up another purchase.

I know Sporters aren't worth much, not earth shattering by any means...made my day though.

no, sporter or not, it looks to me like that was done properly. Have you pulled it from the stock? Is it properly bedded?

I am jealous.

Congrats - smoking deal, especially this time of year. The scope and rings would have set you back at least a couple hundred. Beautiful example of a sporterized -03.

quote:

Originally posted by DSgrouse:
no, sporter or not, it looks to me like that was done properly. Have you pulled it from the stock? Is it properly bedded?

I am jealous.

There is some bedding, not fully bedded. May have been to fill if excess material was removed. Checked the clearance of the barrel and forend before I bought it, no rubbing between the two.

Old school cool. Beautiful rifle.

Very nice. I think the sporterizing was well done.

That would have went home with me too. My father has been shooting a sporterized 1903 since the mid-80’s. That rifle has taken coyote, bear, whitetail, and elk.

That's beautiful! Excellent score! I wouldn't have been able to leave the shop without it at that price, either.

Congrats! While it's unfortunate any of these ever got sporterized, I think the ones that did still deserve a little respect and enjoyment. That's a great price on a great rifle. I hope you get many years of enjoyment out of it.

A well done basic sporterizing job.
Scope bolt handle, barrel cut off to remove front sight spline, scope safety, good blue job, milled 03 trigger guard.

Needs an older weaver or redfield on it

Superb looking rifle.

quote:

Originally posted by jjkroll32:
Needs an older weaver or redfield on it

Superb looking rifle.

Ironically enough, I've been looking at them the last two days.

Any specific models of either I should look for?

Well, a Weaver K4 or Lyman Alaskan would be pretty appropriate for the era.

quote:

Originally posted by CrazyHorse5.0:

GAT?

quote:

Originally posted by M1Garandy:

quote:

Originally posted by CrazyHorse5.0:

GAT?