Mint Condition

May 26, 2013

Civilian Marksmanship Program▸Mint Condition

I purchased from DCM, now CMP in 1959, a Springfield 03-A3 for $10.00. The rifle seemed to be in mint condition. Railway Express delivered my 03-A3 for the sum of $5.00. I would assume it had been used for parade or drilling only and appeared unfired. Even the wood was in mint condition. I still have the original papers that were supplied with my rifle. I recently passed my rifle to my 20 year old grandson in California. I had it shipped by Fed Ex overnight for the coast of $112. Imagine to my grandsons surprise, local gun dealers are asking $27.50 for one box (20 rounds) of military, non corrosive 30-06 ammo. Since he is a college student, the he has not had the opportunity to fired it.

In 1965 I purchased from DCM, an inland M-1 carbine for $15. which I still have in my possession. I remember reading in the AMERICAN RIFLEMAN a story that years before, the DCM was selling, Springfield Trap Door 45-70 rifles for the sum of $1.50. I was so envious. I’m 80 years old now and hardly do any shooting anymore, but I’m still a annual member of the NRA. I had joined the NRA in 1950, membership was $4.00 annually. I believe Life membership was $25. Good Ole Day’s.