I have three 1903a3's. The first one I bought may have been an ex-drill as there is, what appears to be, weld marks at the magazine cut-off.
I got scared when I realized this, not knowing at the time, and took the rifle apart. No signs of welds anywhere else and the beautiful C stock was appoxy bedded. It has a Smith Corona receiver and a 2 groove 6-44 Remington barrel. This rifle is without a doubt my most accurated 03, giving a little over 1 MOA with my old eyes and my handloaded ammo.
So, apparently, not all ex-drill are bad as it depends on the amount of de-milling carried out.
Oh and if the two rifles are in good condition, I'd buy them both.