I just bought a really nice 1943 03-A3 that's in really nice shape and shoots very well. There's something that I'd like to know based on the experience of other 03-A3 owners who shoot their rifles.

The front sight protector is missing on my rifle. I noticed that very few photos on the internet show any 03-A3s with front site protectors so it's a common condition and no big deal

I took the 03-A3 and my M1917 to the range and had no trouble visually acquiring the target with the M1917 because the ears of the front sight protector frames the sight blade perfectly. On the other hand, without a front sight protector, the front sight blade on the 03-A3 sorta blends in with the target and makes it more difficult to visually acquire the target.

I know this is a really minor complaint, but I'd like to hear from anyone out there who thinks likewise and bought themselves a protector for the same reason. Did it work?

Merc