The so-called unsafe 03's were put into service and very few had problems. The safety issue was blown out of proportion, but it has been repeated so many times that it has now become fact.
Having said that, I don't push 80+ year old rifles. I used to have quite a few 03's and 03-A3's, but now I'm down to just a few. My deer rifle for many years was a '03 with a K4 scope and a Fajen or Bishop stock (I forget which). In the early 1950's 03's and 03-A3's could be had for $10 to $20. Many were "customized". These customized rifles normally bring less than half what a untouched one does. Of course if the custom was done by G & H or other famous outfit they bring pretty good money, but most were done in someone's garage or basement.
see this write up for better information on the unsafe Springfield '03's
http://m1903.com/03rcvrfail/
