The Firearms Forum - Gun Community - View Single Post - Springfield 03-A3 never fired?

Jim K · 10-07-2012, 12:27 PM

Many M1903A3 rifles were never fired beyond the single proof firing at the factory. U.S. rifles were not always function fired with a full magazine as German Mausers were (or were supposed to be).

By the time the M1903A3 was well into production, there were plenty of M1 rifles for most needs and the later M1903A3 rifles went directly from factory to depot storage. Many of those were later sold through DCM; they were supposed to have been proved again before sale. They were cleaned after each proof load so they would show no signs of extensive firing, and are, in effect, brand new.

Note that in recent years, rebuilt M1903A3 rifles have been sold. They have been refurbished, with new wood and new or repro parts, even new barrels, and a new Parkerizing job that looks nothing like the original. While the original sellers usually are scrupulous in telling the buyer that the gun is not original, some secondary sellers have not been as ethical and pass the rehabs off as unfired and unissued originals.

FWIW, an M1903A3 made in the late thirties would indeed be a collectors' item, regardless of condition!

Jim

10-07-2012, 12:27 PM	#6
Jim K Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 6,408	Re: Springfield 03-A3 never fired? Many M1903A3 rifles were never fired beyond the single proof firing at the factory. U.S. rifles were not always function fired with a full magazine as German Mausers were (or were supposed to be). By the time the M1903A3 was well into production, there were plenty of M1 rifles for most needs and the later M1903A3 rifles went directly from factory to depot storage. Many of those were later sold through DCM; they were supposed to have been proved again before sale. They were cleaned after each proof load so they would show no signs of extensive firing, and are, in effect, brand new. Note that in recent years, rebuilt M1903A3 rifles have been sold. They have been refurbished, with new wood and new or repro parts, even new barrels, and a new Parkerizing job that looks nothing like the original. While the original sellers usually are scrupulous in telling the buyer that the gun is not original, some secondary sellers have not been as ethical and pass the rehabs off as unfired and unissued originals. FWIW, an M1903A3 made in the late thirties would indeed be a collectors' item, regardless of condition! Jim