Remington Model 03A3 1903A3 .30-06 Sprg WWII Bolt Action Rifle MFD 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1375
LSB#: 211216DW02
Make: Remington
Model: 1903A3 (03-A3)
Serial Number: 3834647
Year of Manufacture: 1943 (page 375 of Joe Poyer’s book, The Model 1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition). Barrel Date: December 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 / 3834647”. The top of the barrel is marked “R A / flaming bomb / 12-43”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “P”. The safety is marked “SAFE READY” and the magazine cutoff is marked “ON OFF”. The front sight cover is marked “flaming bomb / U.S.”. The front sight cover, noscap, stacking loop, front sling loop, rear sight, magazine cutoff, right rear of the bolt, rear of the safety lever, and the underside of the bolt handle are all marked “R”. The extractor collar has a circled “R”. The rear sling plate is marked “RP”. It is stamped “RA / FJA / OG” on the left side of the buttstock, below the cheek weld, meaning it was refurbished at Raritan Arsenal, and at Ogden Arsenal, at unknown interval. It is believed FJA was the inspector’s proof stamp, a LtCol. Frank J. Atwood. The bottom of the wrist has a circled “P” cartouche and the bottom of the forend is stamped with four markings in front of the floorplate.
Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade set in a raised base and under a removable protective hood. 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 is in the configuration of S-grip without finger grooves, metal nose cap with bayonet lug, stacking loop, 2 barrel bands, 2 sling loops, 2 through bolts, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The buttplate shows wear, some finish loss and oxidation. The nosecap shows scrapes & small scratches. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches, and compression marks that have been oiled over. Most are light marks. The LOP measures 13 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition as arsenal refurbished.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Arsenal Refurbished
Bore Condition: The 2 groove bore is mostly bright. The grooves near the muzzle are semi-bright. The rifling is sharp. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.7.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 94% of its metal finish. The barrel has a few scuffs and light marks through the finish.The rear sling swivel shows more wearing than the front. The trigger guard and magazine floor plate show scattered more notable scratches and finish loss consistent with oxidation which has been scrubbed out. The majority of the wear to the metal is located on the bottom metal. The metal shows a few other light handling marks. The screw heads show light use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine 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: There is a plastic oiler bottle in the buttstock.
Our Assessment: The M1903 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. When the U.S. Army was looking for a rifle design to replace their Krag rifles, they looked at the Spanish Mauser Model 93 they captured during the Spanish-American War. Other than changing the firing pin to a two-piece design and a few other minor alterations, the 1903 was, in fact, a Mauser design, and the U.S. Government ended up paying royalties to Mauser Werke. The rifle was well worth it though. It had a strong and reliable action and served the Army for over four decades. 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 Remington Model 1903-A3 was made during WWII. This 03A3 has lots of markings on the metal and the finish looks good. The markings on the receiver & barrel are deep and are in great shape for a Military service rifle that is almost 80 years old. This is a Nice 03A3 for your collection and will be fun to shoot at the range. Please see our photos and good luck!