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Most of the time I can find the money or something usually comes along my way that helps me in paying for my habit(s). Because the timeframe of the purchase was around the Holidays, I was plum out of luck. Too much competition for funding! I was steadfast that I would not let this '03 get past me like all the others had in the past. After a lot of thought and stress over the predicament that I had gotten myself into, I decided to sell a rifle from my collection. I am like the Noah of milsurp rifles, most of my rifles have at least a twin or larger family of siblings, in my gun closet. I could live without one, at least I was *probably* sure I could. The only problem with this theory was that the Remington 03A3 was a little more in cost than the average milsurp rifle I purchase. Facing the truth I finally realized that I would have to sell a prized rifle to obtain the required funds. I really hoped it would be a worthwhile sacrifice.

Note: I have never sold a rifle before and hope to god I will never face this dilemma again! I have always subscribed to the notion that I would not part with any of them until I left this earthly plain and even then I was sure I could probably find some way to take them with me. If not - who would appreciate them as much as me?

So for the sake of bringing home the prize, I decided to sell a Garand. I really did not want it going to a stranger! So, I asked a couple of my friends that had always wanted a Garand. With little effort I found a very willing and caring home for my rifle. This was the only way I would feel comfortable with the separation, it had to go to a good family! The only problem that came up with the transaction is when I was asked to go to the range and help him shoot it, I really couldn't do it. It would be like watching my wife with another man, I would not be able to control my jealous nature and it would be dangerous for both of us.

Finally I had the funds to finish the acquisition with enough left over to pick another Yugo SKS. I really hoped this was all worth it. I felt very guilty, like I had lost something very dear to me!

I finally picked the '03 up and brought it home. I have to tell you, I was afraid something would damage the rifle. Once I left it propped up in the corner while I did some work on the web site and when the cat went near it, I almost nearly had a heart attack!

The rifle is in excellent condition. The only problem I see with it is the handguard has been replaced, as it does not match the stock and looks new. Not a problem, I wanted a shooter anyway. The inside of the barrel is beautiful! The outside of the bolt is a little rough but does not seem to effect operation.

Here is what I have learned so far about my rifle:

1. It was manufactured by Remington Arms;
2. Serial number of 4186348 shows that it was manufactured in 1943 (as shown in figure 2);
3. Barrel markings also show Remington Arm's  "RA" mark above the ordnance escutcheon and month-year  (as shown in figure 3).
4. Barrel was manufactured in June of 1943 (as shown in figure 3).
5. Barrel is a Type 4, Third Variation Barrel, because the rifling only has two grooves (this was an obvious draw back worried me about accuracy).

Note: All of the above information was found in Joe Poyer's book: The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations.

The weekend arrived and I happily discovered that I still had quite a large supply of 30-06 ammo that I had loaded for my Garands. After what I had spent in the past month on rifles, I really could not get away with purchasing anything else. I packed everything up and headed for the range.

Loading her up with the very first round, I was struck with that "first shot" apprehension you get when first shooting a milsurp rifle for the first time. Will she blow up in my face or work flawlessly? Well, I am happy to say that she did the latter. The trigger pull was excellent. One of the smoothest I have encountered on any of my milsurp rifles!

I did not have to touch the sights at all, everything was right where it was supposed to be. I shot off around 20 rounds and placed very well. I loaded up the final five cartridges and shot the grouping pictured in figure 4, at 100 yds. Joe Poyer's book assured me that the rifle would not suffer from having only two rifling grooves, and he was correct! I am so happy with the performance of this rifle, it is everything I ever imagined it would be.

Beauty and performance - what else could I ever ask for?

This rifle will never leave my collection! Didn't I say that about the Garand?

jlm ;)

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