1903a3 values/prices?

[alphasigmookie]

I have the opportunity to pick up a Remington 1903a3 that appears to be in decent but not amazing shape (I'd say Field to Service grade if from CMP) for around $700. The price doesn't seem all that amazing to me, but doing some looking around this seems to be close to the low end of the price range for them these days with lots going for well over $1000. Serial number is in the 3.7M range. I definitely have a thing for old guns, I just have a hard time paying more than a few hundred dollars for them. For that money I could order myself another service grade Garand from CMP...but it seems if I want an '03 it looks like I'm going to have to pay up one way or another. Enablers start your engines...

PS I wouldn't actually be paying cash but trading my Tikka M595 in .308 straight up for it. I have it posted for sale for $700 but have not received a solid cash offer for it yet.

[Weatherby]

wouldn't be me paying/bartering that much for one.

[shotgunshooter3]

That's a bit better than I'd expect one to sell for around here. If you're getting rid of the Tikka anyway I would probably do it.

[Michakav]

Too high for that grade.

[Gene L]

About $100 too much, I'm thinking, for that condition.

[alphasigmookie]

DSC01143.jpg

Here's one of the photos the owner sent. He says the barrel is original and bright and shiny. I'd obviously have to take a look at it before completing a trade.

[Gene L]

I've never seen an 03A3 that wasn't in good to excellent condition. Never seen one with a bad bore, either, but i'm sure they're out there.

[Michakav]

DSC01143.jpg

Here's one of the photos the owner sent. He says the barrel is original and bright and shiny. I'd obviously have to take a look at it before completing a trade.

If the bore is in great shape I would consider it.

[Martin-A]

I have seen poor bores on some 03's as many were not cleaned after using corrosive primer ammo. And, I have seen some great 03's as well. I owned 2 of them. One I foolishly sporterized back in the 1960's and sold recently for $500 to a good friend. I have the other one (in mint condition) full military issue. These are great, accurate rifles and I enjoy shooting mine as often as I can. I've been offered $1200 for my 03 (really an 03-A3) just last year. I guess it depends truly on the condition you find it in when you inspect it personally. If all OK, then I'd do the swap as you don't find these rifles sitting around in gun stores any more (at least not good ones).

[tjsvet50]

700 to 750 is about right for well maintained 03-A3. I have three, two Remington's and a Smith Corona. One Remington and the Smith Corona are almost factory new, and the other Remington was a bring back from the Pacific Theatre after WWII. The bring back has a fairly well used stock, but no rust pitting and a sharp bore. I have been offered 1500 each for unused rifles, and 700 for the bring back. Condition is everything.

[Bigslug]

Current Blue Book showing $1200 for perfect, $900 for 95%, and on down from there.