Pros:
The history of the rifle. My great grandpa was Army Infantry in WWI and probably had a 1903. My grandpa was a Marine in WWII and I don't think he had a garand so he probably got a 1903 as well.
Cons:
You're going to pay a premium for an old beat up rifle that can be outperformed by a modern rifle for less $$.
If you're looking for the history of the gun, go ahead and buy one. If you're not connected to the rifles history and just want a 30-06 hunting rifle then there are plenty of them out there to chose from at very reasonable prices.
I've watched the video of that old sniper a bunch of times. I was amazed when he popped the head shot at 1000 yards and the group he held for not having shot a rifle for so long. The rifle he was handed was a newly manufactured replica with some newer parts. I wouldn't mind buying a gibbs replica, but for $1,000 plus that buys a whole lot of rifle with some custom features.
Looking at a 1903A3 to purchase. Pros and cons on this weapon? Thanks for your input.
Historically accurate guns go for a premium, but "sporterized" ones are still pretty inexpensive and are usually improved from a shooter's standpoint with better irons or a scope mount, a more comfortable stock, or both. They are very accurate rifles, and offer better accuracy than the majority of shooters can take advantage of.
I'm buying for historical purposes and to shoot occasionally....
Same here. I got my RA 1903A3 off a guy from the CMP forums. 1943 that looks like it was never even shot. The ME is less than 0 !! Its a 2 grove barrel. I also have a 1903 made in 1932 with a WWII barrel that is pitted and a WWII Keystone C stock on it, I would like to think is saw action but who knows, my son wants to buy that if and when I want to sell it. Neither guns appear to be greek returns and the CMP has dried up on them. I think they are a good investment also.
+1 to surfing the CMP forum classified. Most of the guys there are enthusiasts that know what to look for in a rifle, and in turn will generally have fair market prices on their WTS ads. Additionally, you should have serveral to browse and compare, so you can decide exactly what you want. I bought one a few years ago from a CMP member that lives up in LaFayette. It was a beautiful 1903A3 that was all USGI parts (it had been rearsenaled at Rock Island at one point in its life time, although retained a number of its originaly serialized parts), but with a new "old stock" barrel (barrel dates from the early 40's). It is a great shooter, and a nice addition to the collection.
What is really interesting is just how close it really does compare with the German Mauser (design was heavily based on the Mauser action)...right down to nearly the exact same overall length. I have it in my safe next two two WWII Mausers and it is pretty nice company for it.