A friend of mine has given me a rifle on permanent loan. It has been sitting in his safe for years and needs some attention. He basically picked it for a "loaner" for when his dad went hunting with him. Dad lives in Hawaii now.
I've never been a rifle guy, traditional more of a handgun and shotgun type of guy but not an "expert" on any of them. I just enjoy them and wish I had a few more.
The rifle is apparently a National Ordnance 1903A3. From what I have found out, Nat. Ord made parts guns in the 50s(?) with GI surplus parts(?) and was one step ahead of bankruptcy most of the time.
The original manufacturer and SN number look to have been filed off and replaced by the address stamp and a new(?) SN. Could this be an original Springfield or why would this filing be there? I have heard about investment cast v. forged actions, can I tell the difference by looking.
Is it worth putting any money into, even if it is just a 'smiths fee to check it out, or should it just be retired? I'd like to give centerfire hunting a try and a "free" gun sounds a lot better than going out and buying a rifle.
On the other hand, if it's going to take much to get it shooting, I'd be better off buying a used rifle., or maybe even new. If I didn't like centerfires (which I can't imagine why I wouldn't) I could always sell it (Yeah, like that would happen but it sounds good with the wife. Too bad she never believes me :? ).
Mostly I'd like more info to share with my friend. He hunts and shoots but really doesn't pay attention to the gun as long as it shoots. I like to know something about my guns, even if I'm not an expert. If the rifle isn't worth anything, is not safe, or just has some interesting history, I'd like to be able to share with him.
Anyone have some more information, ideas, stories, or suggestions?
Trog - Long time lurker, 1st post
