My 1903A3, typical?

[M1Tommy]

I'm thinking to horse-trade my 1903A3 for another rifle (a Ruger No. 1 in 45-70)
The 1903A3 is a fine rifle, but I very very rarely shoot it any more, and honestly she never really 'talked to me'. I shot a few matches with her, even one all prone 3 stage 600 yard match (yeah, shoulder and jaw were unappreciative).

My question for y'all, if you care to consider it, is:
Is there anything particularly special about this rifle? The owner of the Ruger No. 1 seems rather enamoured at a swap-deal. I got the 1903A3 in a swap-deal about 12 years ago, and I should have it's prev. owner's CMP certificate filed away.

Below is the link to a few photos. Pardon my mediocre photography. Y'alls input, advice, comments, etc. are appreciated.
Tommy

http://smg.photobucket.com/user/M1Tommy/library/armaments/Rem%201903A3?sort=4&page=1

[emmagee1917]

Test fire the Ruger first . It can be brutal in 45-70 and if the '06 in military trim and loads is punishing to you , welll.........do you want another safe-sitter ?
Chris

[M1Tommy]

Chris, I understand you. I'm not particularly recoil sensitive, but slung up in prone for 65-70 rounds is a bit more than I'd ever fire, and from a much more confining position, than I'd ever fire with the hunting rifle.
Sincerely,
Tommy

[Dave in NGA]

Judging from your pictures I would call an even swap a fair deal for both parties. I like the C stock on your A3 and the nice condition of the metal. I also own a Ruger No 1 in 45-70. Never thought I would be interested until I shot a friends rifle. Boy, what a hoot. I just love shooting those big, slow bullets and getting very nice grouping. My favorite 45-70 load is a Lyman cast bullet weighing 385 grains and pushed with a light load of Unique powder. You can shoot this light kicking load all day long and still be able to kill tin cans at 100 yards. The trajectory is very similar to a 22 lr.

With the Ruger No 1 you can load 'up' to near magnum velocities and kill anything in North America. The 350 grain softpoints are very consistant but you won't be able to get a 500 grain jacketed bullet to load in the Ruger. The throat is too short for a bullet sticking that far out of the case.

If you don't love your A3 then make the trade.

[Vern Humphrey]

My question for y'all, if you care to consider it, is:
Is there anything particularly special about this rifle? The owner of the Ruger No. 1 seems rather enamoured at a swap-deal. Tommy

What's special is, they're still making Ruger No. 1s but NOT M1903A3s.

[Darreld Walton]

Too bad he ain't offering a Browning single shot, instead of the No. 1 Ruger........

[M1Tommy]

........
If you don't love your A3 then make the trade.

Dave, Yep, that's what I am thinking too, pretty much.
Tommy

[M1Tommy]

What's special is, they're still making Ruger No. 1s but NOT M1903A3s.

Yes sir, I understand you there. However Ruger only makes small numbers of the No. 1 and in only certain chamberings each year.
Were my 1903A3 the model of 1917 that I foolishly traded away some years back, I wouldn't even consider this swap. The 1917 fit me much, much better than the 1903 and A3 rifles.
Thanks for the reply.
Tommy

[M1Tommy]

Too bad he ain't offering a Browning single shot, instead of the No. 1 Ruger........

Mr. Walton, who-ee yes, I'd sure agree!
Tommy

[mack]

I like the Ruger No. 1 but the 03A3 is special in that you will never see another new one from Remington. Never. Can't say that for the Ruger. That makes for some consideration in the matter, imho.

On another forum, I saw one of the big stores had a "very nice" 03A3 the other day for a mere $1700. Seems outrageous and probably is, but someone will likely pay something ridiculous like that. That's something to consider as prices seem to be taking off of late for the Springfields.

Finally, I have abided several rules in gun trading over the last 50+ years and it has served me pretty well. One is that I never trade old military stuff for commercial stuff to any advantage except mine. If it's still catalogued and is more or less commonly available, it will depreciate faster than you can calculate. So, you will watch your Ruger go down while the Springfield continues to rise. And, your Springfield is pretty darned nice with that RAP rebuild stamp making it desirable.

Tread lightly is all I am saying. Just my two cents worth. There is no way your rifle is typical of 03A3s out there in the world.

[M1Tommy]

Mack, Thank for that. Your info. gives me more to consider. I'll research the stamp. Thank you.
I have one 'back up' M1, a put together with a bedded aftermarket stock. It's a nice one, too, but shot even less frequently than my 1903A3. I may see if he's interested in that rifle instead.

My match shooting days are far, far in between now, and I will keep my match accurized M1!
Thanks for the reply.
Tommy

[twh]

How much is the Ruger worth? The o3a3 is worth between $600-$750 with the C stock adding a little to the value. The RAP rebuild mark is just a common post war rebuild/inspection mark and adds nothing to the value. It actually detracts from it somewhat since it indicates a rebuild but the since the C stock isn't original anyway it doesn't hurt that much.

[M1Tommy]

Ruger No. 1 rifles sell for more than that much nowadays, either new or used . Appreciation / depreciation is all over the place, for both, it seems.
Thanks for the reply.
Tommy

[PeteDavis]

The 45-70 is a punisher. The 450 Marlin is better!

[mp40man]

I'm kinda new here but not to the old surplus stuff from back in the day. It's hard to believe how they are going up in value...I got my M1 Garand from the DCM back in 1983 for I believe $140 if I can remember. Back in the mid 60's a 1903 would set you back $15...had a few and shot tons of tracers and ruined the barrels....aah the good old days. Maybe it's just me but I have a soft spot in my heart for the old military hardware. I have a good number of Rugers,S&W's and Colts which I will trade or sell if the deal is right but not my old military surplus...something about natural patina and history. Be safe and god bless. Rich