There are lots of books on advanced Garand collecting out there. You won't increase its value, but you'd have the satisfaction of bringing an old warhorse back to a more historically accurate condition.
I have a Remington 1903 that seems to be a transition from the 03 to 03A3. It has all-milled parts, except for the trigger guard and follower, which are the crummy 03A3 type. (I actually shouldn't knock those stamped parts, even those are being counterfeited today). It still has the old ladder sight and handguard of the 03. And it must have seen some use, because it's quite well worn-in. I'm puzzled by those stamped parts, and have yet to do any research about it.
One o’ these days I need to have someone knowledgeable look at my ‘03A3. I found it in a pawnshop in Texas, wearing a civilian-looking stock; a parts catalog got it to the point that, to me, it looks original. I know it ain’t, but I like the look of it anyway.
It’s an interesting rifle, and it’s fun to play with. I hadn’t held and operated one since boot camp. So far I’ve resisted the urge to spin it. But that won’t last. :-)
But I’m afraid it’s only whetted my appetite. Dang... now I’ve gotta get one that’s all original. It’s that whole “history in your hands” thing.
And so it begins..the quest for the ‘correct’ part, just one more part...but look, now that’s a ....