Remington Model 1903A3 03-A3 .30-06 WWII Bolt Action Rifle MFD 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1300
LSB#: 210324DL76
Make: Remington
Model: 1903A3 (03-A3)
Serial Number: 4021898
Year of Manufacture: 1943 (Page 375 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition). Barrel Date: September 1943
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. / REMINGTON / MODEL 03-A3 / 4021898”. The top of the barrel is marked “R A / flaming bomb / 9- 43”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “P”. The right side of the front sight is marked “C” and the right side of the front sight base is marked “R”. The safety is marked “SAFE READY” and the magazine cutoff is marked “ON OFF”. The bottom of the grip is marked with a “circled P” proof and “P”. The bottom of the forend is stamped with boxed and circled numbers in front of the bottom metal. The magazine cut-off, left of the nosecap, front sling loop, safety, right rear of the bolt, rear sling loop base, and underside of the bolt handle are marked marked “R”. The left side of the stock has a boxed “FJA” (Frank J. Atwood) cartouche and an “OG” (Ogden Arsenal repair or refurbishment) cartouche. The extractor collar is marked with a circled “R”. The right rear of the bolt is marked with a circled “15”. There are a few other small markings on the rifle.
Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade set in a raised base, there are some marks into the metal of the blade. The rear sight is a fully adjustable aperture sight marked from “2-8” on the top and “0” with hash marks on the rear.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a straight grip, metal nose cap, stacking loop, barrel band, 2 sling loops, 2 reinforcing bolts, and a metal buttplate with a hinged door for storage. The refurbished stock has been refinished and has some little dings, scratches, and light compressions, some of the most noticeable are on the top of the handguard at the front, and on the sides of the buttstock. There are some scrapes that have removed surface material on the bottom of the forend in front of the barrel band. There is a woodgrain split on the top of the handguard. There are scattered draglines and handling marks. The LOP measures 12 ¾ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some scattered light marks, finish loss on the edges, and a few little spots of light erosion. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition as refurbished.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The 2 grooved bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. The bore has an M.E. of about 0.5.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is scattered light oxidation on the bottom metal and on the rear of the bolt on the firing pin knob. There is oxidation on the barrel bands and nosecap. There are some light rubs on the barrel with more noticeable wear on the front sight base including some spots of finish loss and scuffs. There are a few little oil marks on the receiver. There are some scuffs on the bottom metal. There are marks into the front sight blade and there are spots of what looks like finish on the front sight. There is standard operational wear. The screw heads show light use. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The M1903 Springfield rifle is a clip-loaded 5 round magazine-fed bolt-action service rifle. It was adopted as the standard United States military bolt-action rifle in 1903 and served our country through two world wars even after it was “replaced” by the M1 Garand in 1937. It continued to serve as a sniper rifle through the Korean war and into the early days of the Vietnam war. It remains popular as a civilian firearm, historical collector’s piece and also sees use as a military drill rifle. This one was made by Remington in 1943 and has nice markings and some wear to the metal. It still looks great, has nice markings, and a great bore just waiting to be shot. This will be a nice addition to your C&R or military surplus collection. Please see our photos and good luck!