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Springfield is coming
I'm almost squirming in my chair in anticipation. About two weeks ago I ordered a 1903A3 Springfield from the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). When I got home yesterday the FedEx note was hanging on my door saying they tried to deliver it but being a gun, needed a signature. So today I get to go home at noon and wait for them to come back.
The CMP was created by the U.S. Congress. The original purpose was to provide civilians an opportunity to learn and practice marksmanship skills so they would be skilled marksmen if later called on to serve the U.S. military. It's purpose has changed a bit in 100 years but you can still order directly from them. Most of the guns they sell are Springfields and M1 Garands.
There are some qualifications necessary to order. I have a C&R (Curio and Relic) federal firearms license. Or you have to show recent marksmanship (targets from a qualifying shoot).
I just think that in today's anti-gun environment, being able to buy a gun directly from the US government is something I couldn't pass up. Plus I've always wanted a springfield. 
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Springfield is coming
KEWL!!!! But does this mean we have to call you "LongBore" or something instead of ShortMagnum from now on?
 MAO
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Springfield is coming
Longbore could become an alternative registration name for me. The one I post with could reflect whether I got lucky the night before or not.
The subject of the CMP came up here earlier this summer which prompted me to look into it again. Plus it's my patriotic duty. 
Dave
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Springfield is coming
Neat. We have both a Springfield and a Garand that were inherited.
I guess you know that the early serial number Springfields aren't safe to use with modern 30-06 ammo.
The local gun club used to have High Power matches; if you competed in one, you could then buy a rifle from the CMP. Sadly, it has died out over the last few years. In fact, all markmanship (rifle and pistol) seems to be on the decline, at least using match participation and gun club membership as an indicator.
Have fun with your new rifle.
Bill
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Springfield is coming
Shortmagnum:
I read through the link and am interested in the program. Will be curious about the condition of the rifle. In their information, they list that the firearm will be definitely used and could be in good condtion to non-fireable. It also looks like you need to be a member of a gun club. How much are the rifles?
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Springfield is coming
Bill, some of the earliest '03s had brittle receiver steel. I think that these were made in or close to the 1940s so that's not a problem. The CMP has to sell shooters. I'll think about a Garand next year. My buddy has one he got through the CMP a couple of years ago and it's deadly accurate.
Dave
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Springfield is coming
Yooper, here's the link to the 03A3 description and pricing. I think the non-firing guns are the drill (parade) guns that you can also buy. On this page is a drill receiver for $10.
Dave
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Springfield is coming
I was reading further in the link and see the rifles sell for $400.00 and shipping is $20.75. I can get a 1903 in good condition at my local gun dealer for $495.00 and an 1903A3 for $695.00. I didn't know if you get a price break if you are a registered marksman/shooter. In my case without an FFL I'd have trouble getting one of these unless shipping to a dealer. I'd like to know the condition after you have received it.
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Springfield is coming
YooperPete, the CMP mails (yes..US Mail) directly to the buyer. There is no need for an FFL.
The CMP's 03A3 and 1917 Enfeild were reviewed by Gun Test magazine in the latest issue. They got a fine, accurate Springfield and a dismal Enfield.
The Springfield's are coming out of military arsenals while the Enfields are returns from the VFW where they have been shooting blanks at funerals for 50 years with no cleaning.
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Springfield is coming
Yooper asked about the rifle's condition. The wood is well used. It has plenty of dings in it. It's kind of neat in that someone with the same initials as me carved them into the stock. I would call the wood condition "good." The steel looks really good. I would call it excellent There is no rust under the handguard or anywhere else. The bore is bright but probably a bit worn. I get about 4" groups at 100 yds. I wish the precision was a bit better. The only bullets I could find were pretty light at 150 grains. I will try a heavier bullet to see if that helps but I'm not expecting alot of improvement. We'll see.
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