Civilian Marksmanship Program is bringing back a piece of American military history and demand is already heating up.
The CMP has announced availability of CMP M1903A3 rifles, part of its ongoing military surplus sales program. These rifles, originally issued to U.S. forces in World War I, World War II, and Korea, remain some of the most iconic bolt-action service rifles ever produced.
But before anyone rushes to place an order, there are a few things worth understanding.
A Historic Rifle With a Modern Path to Ownership
The CMP M1903A3 rifles currently available fall under the “reclaimed rifle” category.
That means:
Stocks are new production (Minelli), barrels are commercial, and finishes may vary depending on the specific rifle shipped.
And that’s part of the deal.
CMP sales are “luck of the draw”, meaning buyers won’t get to pick manufacturer, serial number, or specific configuration. Once it ships, it’s yours: no returns, no exchanges.
Price and Availability
Current listing:
- M1903A3 Reclaimed Rifle (RMA3EXPERTRC)
- $1,050 + $35 shipping
- Estimated delivery: 8–10 weeks
CMP also allows customers to purchase up to 12 surplus rifles per year, excluding .22s. And based on early interest, these are moving quickly.
The Ammo Warning (Don’t Ignore This)
CMP is very clear on one point: These rifles are old. Like, really old. To protect both the rifle and the shooter, CMP advises:
- No ammo over 50,000 CUP
- Bullet weight should stay at 172–174 grains or less
Modern high-pressure or heavy-bullet .30-06 loads are not what these rifles were designed for. Run the wrong ammo, and you’re asking for problems.
“Low-Number” Rifles: The Big Safety Issue
This is the part that deserves your attention. Early M1903 rifles (pre-1918) used a single heat-treatment process that left some receivers brittle and prone to failure.
Because there’s no reliable way to identify which ones are unsafe without destructive testing, the U.S. military eventually pulled these rifles from service. These are known as:
Later rifles used improved double heat treatment and are considered:
CMP’s position is straightforward:
👉 Do not fire low-number rifles.
They are best treated as collector pieces, not shooters. There’s also a warning about bolts:
- Straight bolt handles are often associated with low-number rifles
- Swept-back bolt handles generally indicate high-number
But even here, things can get mixed due to rebuilds over time. Bottom line: don’t assume—verify.
What You’re Really Buying
The CMP M1903A3 rifles offer something a lot of modern firearms don’t: Connection to history.
These rifles:
- Served in multiple wars
- Passed through countless hands
- Represent a different era of manufacturing and design
But they also come with responsibility. This isn’t a plug-and-play modern rifle.
It requires:
- Proper ammo selection
- Basic historical understanding
- Respect for its limitations
Final Thought
The CMP isn’t just selling rifles; they’re passing along artifacts. The CMP M1903A3 rifles are a rare opportunity to own a piece of American military heritage that still has life left in it. Just make sure you treat it like what it is:
A rifle built decades ago, with a story and a few rules that come with it. Learn more HERE.
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