I remember the Kleins Sporting goods ads from the 50's and early 60's. I wanted to buy a 1911 so bad back then. They were under 25 bucks..so were 03's. I have a Colt 1911 National Match that the previous owner bought from Kleins in the late 50's new in the box ...mail order. I paid him a bit more than he paid though...but not a lot more.
And I have an 03A3 barrelled action with all the metal that a Marine fighter pilot brought back from the South Pacific in WWII. Dated 5-43 and it is the sniper version. Just wish I had the original stock for it. He got it from a "mud" marine. Don't know if it has ever been shot. Doesn't look it!