Thank you for your prompt reply. I thought I had found a hidden gem for $950. I guess not everyone loves these guns like I do. I need to be careful not to buy with just emotion.
Buying these guns is all about emotion. I paid close to that for mine because I didn't know if I'd ever find another 1903. There are many more 1904s out there. If the gun is in nice shape and has the Vulcanite butt pad, it might be worth $950. Maybe he'll come down on the price if you show him the ad--or maybe you can get the gun from the ad. Good luck!
Welcome to the Browning Owners Forum coltchester !! Open a thread in the BAR sub forum....and I replied to your Private Message...
A few more differences. See that large hole over the Carrier Screw? That's the punch port used to remove the pin holding the Locking Block Latch to the bolt. That's necessary to disassemble the gun. In 1904 it was move towards the front of the receiver and stayed there for 94 years. Here's a view of the right side. On modern guns it's a notch on the ejection port instead of the small hole you see here.
A comparison of the 1903's straight stock and a round knob from a gun from the '40s. The pens are pointing to the stock screws.
That's a wonderful piece of history there R31. Thanks so much for sharing the pics and info. What a beauty!
Thanks very much jcs266. Disassembling this gun I learned things not available from any source that I'm aware of. I decided to document it and share it here. Occasionally I add a post to bump it to the top. I'd like people to see it.
Looks fantastic, what a piece of history you have there. I'm so jealous at such an item could be had for such a meagre sum considering it's importance it's giving my indigestion
LF, I know how you feel. While rare, the guns are out there -- the Auto-5 was made to outlive us all so they keep coming back on the market. But THIS find makes me envious: http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?f=53&t=409594&start=0
I had some bids on this one but let the other guy have it. It looks like it has later stocks and is a reblue. (The stocks are astounding however). http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=511608260