Remington M1903A3 Springfield .30-06 Bolt Action Rifle & .22 Conv., 1942
SOLD FOR: $1,425.00
LSB#: LSB251029CD030
Make: Remington
Model: 1903A3
Serial Number: 3751720
Year of Manufacture: 1942 / C&R
Barrel Date: 5 – 43
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt action, fed by internal 5 round magazine.
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “U.S. / REMINGTON / MODEL 03-A3 / 3751720”. The mag disconnect is marked, “ON / OFF”. The barrel is marked, “RA / 5 – 42” with a flaming bomb proof. The safety is marked “READY / SAFE”. The underside of the bolt handle root and the bolt sleeve are marked “R”. The sear is marked with a “R” (for Remington). The stock is marked, “RA / FJA” (Remington Arms, Frank J. Attwood) with an ordnance wheel.
Barrel Length: 23.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a band slid over the muzzle (Model 1903A3 front sight), the rear sight is an M1903A3 Aperture Rear Sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece walnut stock has a steel forend cap w/ bayonet lug and stacking loop, barrel band with sling swivel, pistol grip, straight comb, with a smooth steel buttplate. There are scratches and light pressure dents throughout. There is a large crack at the wrist. The LOP measures 12.75” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates an Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized, DuLite
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the 4-groove rifling is sharp. There is faint erosion visible in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9.75/10.
The .22 conversion bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion visible in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9.5/10
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is faint handling wear throughout. The action has light wear. The screw heads are lightly tooled with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Excellent condition. The Numrich conversion kit has light handling wear but is otherwise in 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: Numrich .22LR conversion kit which includes: barrel sleeve, 1922 M2 bolt assembly, magwell & 2x 5rd magazines, tool, paperwork. This rifle also includes a leather sling.
Our Assessment: This Remington M1903A3 represents one of the most important U.S. service rifles of the Second World War, produced during the height of wartime expansion when speed, durability, and accuracy were paramount. Manufactured in 1942, the 03-A3 incorporated simplified machining and an improved aperture rear sight mounted on the receiver bridge, allowing faster target acquisition and greater practical accuracy under combat conditions. Remington’s wartime production is widely respected for consistency and mechanical quality, and this example reflects that standard with correct markings, a properly proofed barrel, and the characteristic parkerized and DuLite finish associated with mid-war rifles. Chambered in .30-06 Springfield, the rifle is paired with a strong four-groove barrel that remains bright with sharp rifling and only faint erosion, rating 9.75 out of 10. The action shows light, even wear consistent with service handling rather than prolonged use, and the metal finish remains exceptionally strong at approximately 98 percent. The stock retains its correct military configuration and inspection markings, with expected handling marks from service life. A visible crack at the wrist is present and should be noted, though it does not detract from the rifle’s historical integrity and is consistent with stresses commonly encountered on service stocks of this pattern.
A particularly desirable feature of this offering is the inclusion of the Numrich .22LR conversion kit, allowing the rifle to be configured for rimfire training use in the same manner as period military marksmanship programs. The conversion components remain in Very Good Plus condition, with a bright bore and sharp rifling in the .22 barrel sleeve. Together with the original leather sling, this package presents a compelling combination of wartime U.S. martial history and postwar training utility. As a Curio and Relic eligible Remington 1903A3 with a high-condition bore and complete conversion kit, this rifle stands as a well-rounded and historically meaningful example of America’s standard service rifle during World War II. -R.E.
