[pstelzel]

i recently inherited a remington 03-a3 bolt action rifle from my grandfather. i cleaned it up inside and out (inside barrel, removed cleaned and lubricated bolt and the ammo spring) it looks to be in great condition but am not sure if i should fire this rifle. am insight as to anything else i should do to it before i shot it or should i not shot it at all? any info would be helpful. thanks in advance.

[c3shooter]

No reason not to shoot it, and they are great rifles.

Now, I am unable to assess the shootabillity of your rifle at long distance (crystal ball is in the shop for calibration and oil change), so do the next best thing- find a competent gunsmith, and have him check your rifle over. He will be looking for signs of damage, mising parts, anything that has been "Bubba'ed", condition of chamber/bore/muzzle, and the headspace of the rifle. Should only cost you a few $$$, and is decent insurance.

PLEASE avoid the temptation to put a synthetic stock on your rifle, drill and tap for a scope, etc. That is HERESY to a collector!

Some more info for you on your rifle- and congratulations!
Collecting and Shooting the U.S. Model 03A3 Rifle - HISTORY

[robocop10mm]

OH NO! 03-A3's are inherently dangerous, even as wall hangers. You must send it to me (postage paid of course) and I will do the only responsible thing for such an engineering abortion. I will shoot it for you. If you have any ammo for it, I will shoot that up for you as well.

No need to thank me. I need a few more community service hours.

[pstelzel]

lawl.....no thanks i think grandpa would kill me from beyond the grave. but judging from you sarcasm i think it should be good to go. thanks for the reply.

[pstelzel]

thanks for all the information i think i will take it in just to make sure everything is kosher. i have no intention on changing anything on the rifle from stock. the only idea i had was to possibly refinish the stock to get rid of the dents and scratches but i read a post on how to properly do so and it seems like it would take a lot of time. plus i think i like the worn in look. i'm not sold one way or another yet. thanks for your reply/information though.

[DrGonzo11]

You are probably good to go shoot it. BUT......DO NOT REFINISH THE STOCK, you will hurt the value of your Grandfather's baby!!

[Going Postal]

Just think of all the history that your rifle has seen. I bet if that thing could talk, it would have alot of great stories! I don't think I would change a thing, if it were mine.

[ymmas]

we have a 03a3 in our battery as well as more modern wepons the o3 is next to the most accurate wepon we have, it cant touch my mia but it is a stock wepon tha can make a ace of clubs have one hole from 3 rds at 150 meters fom the prone and this is as issued! ymmas

[cpttango30]

My dad has 6 03 a3 actioned custom rifles that will shoot with many bench guns out there today. My favorite is one chambered in the 25 niedner (AKA 25-06) That rifle has shot more Liberal CA ground squirells than I care to count from 75 yards on out to 400 yards. Don't look at the goofball who can't dress in that picture.