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Jim K · 01-02-2010, 02:06 PM

Many of the M1903A3 rifles sold through DCM in the 1950's were brand new, unfired except for proof testing. The maunfacture of M1903 and M1903A3 rifles in the WWII era was an emergency measure instituted when M1 rifle (Garand) production proved disappointing in the early years. By the time the last of the M1903A3 rifles were made, there were enough M1's for service needs and the bolt rifles were stored against a future need, like the invasion of Japan.

They were not needed and thousands were given or sold to foreign countries, with many thousands sold to NRA members through the old DCM program. Those guns were NOT rebuilt; they really are (or were) brand new. Army regulations at the time required that any rifles sold to civilians be proof tested, and that was done, the stocks stamped accordingly with the same mark as rebuilt guns, adding to the confusion.

But those who say there were no new rifles and that a new look means a rebuilt gun are wrong, and a person lucky enough to acquire one of those unissued rifles should not accept the "rebuilt" idea without question.

Jim

01-02-2010, 02:06 PM	#14
Jim K Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 6,408	Re: 1903A3: Too good to be true? Many of the M1903A3 rifles sold through DCM in the 1950's were brand new, unfired except for proof testing. The maunfacture of M1903 and M1903A3 rifles in the WWII era was an emergency measure instituted when M1 rifle (Garand) production proved disappointing in the early years. By the time the last of the M1903A3 rifles were made, there were enough M1's for service needs and the bolt rifles were stored against a future need, like the invasion of Japan. They were not needed and thousands were given or sold to foreign countries, with many thousands sold to NRA members through the old DCM program. Those guns were NOT rebuilt; they really are (or were) brand new. Army regulations at the time required that any rifles sold to civilians be proof tested, and that was done, the stocks stamped accordingly with the same mark as rebuilt guns, adding to the confusion. But those who say there were no new rifles and that a new look means a rebuilt gun are wrong, and a person lucky enough to acquire one of those unissued rifles should not accept the "rebuilt" idea without question. Jim