CMP 1903

[RandolH]

I am fortunate enough to live within reasonable driving distance of the CMP's store at Camp Perry. This December I will be taking a trip with my girlfriend up to their store with the aim of purchasing a 1903. This will be my first smokeless powder rifle. I'm bringing my C&R license, my club membership card and a little firberoptic flexi adapter for a maglight for use as a bore light.

What all do I need to know or to look for when I get up to their store? It's still a couple of months down the road but I want to be able to get the most out of my 400+ dollars. I'm not sure what to look for as far as metal condition, bore condition or wood condition. Are there any books or websites that are required reading before going up there?

I know that certain serial numbers are bad as in "unsafe to shoot with modern ammunition" bad and I have a list of the serial number ranges.

Any help is much appreciated!

 

[ReadyontheRight]

Great choice getting a 1903 from the CMP.

-Decide if you want a 1903 or 1903A3. They have both.
-They do have the low-serial number 1903s there, but they are separated and cheaper. I think they might make them inoperable since they are supposedly unsafe to shoot.
-You should bring along a list of serial numbers and year built because you will likely have a few to choose from and knowing the year built for historical or personal significance may make the decision easier.
-Either bring a muzzle gauge or a 30-06 bullet (not the whole cartridge, just a bullet) to check the muzzles of all the rifles. You can walk down the row and see how far the gauge or bullet goes in to as a good indication of how shot out it is. They have gauges there, but it's easier if you have your own and it's crowded.
-Pick out the best two and bring them to the armorers at the counter. Ask them to check them over and give you their opinion.
-They have a number of rifles on display and they have more in the back to replace the display models. I'm not sure if they will bring out more if you can't find what you want, but it may be worth asking if the rifles on display are all shot out.
-There will be cosmoline all over them, so bring a rag and maybe some gloves.
-Bring a gun case. They do sell them there, but you don't want to have to buy one if you don't need it. Bring a few if you think you might also get a Garand, a .22 or a 1917 Eddystone - which are also available there.
-They also sell ammo!
-Prepare to spend a little time there and also check out the grounds at Camp Perry. There is also an NRA building and a PX where you can buy everything but the GI stuff. Vendor's row will likely be closed, but it's worth a swing by.
-I ended up just picking out the 1903A3 with the tightest muzzle in the racks.

Enjoy!

 

[RandolH]

Thanks!
I'm definitely going for the 1903. Where can I get a muzzle gauge, and how much do they run? How far down is too far down, with a gauge or a bullet?

I see that they have the "mark 1" 1903s, weren't those the ones that were somehow supposed to be made to use some sort of semi-automatic adapter device?