Remington 1903A3 03-A3 .30-06 WWII Bolt Action Rifle MFD 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1426
LSB#: 210130WT10
Make: Remington
Model: 1903A3 (03-A3)
Serial Number: 3749487
Year of Manufacture: 1943 (page 375 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition). Barrel Date: May, 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 / 3749487”. The top of the barrel is marked “R A / flaming bomb / 5- 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, front sling loop, rear sling loop base, magazine cutoff and right rear of the bolt body are each marked “R” for Remington. The bottom of the bolt handle is stamped “1” and with a punch mark. The left side of the stock, above the trigger, is marked “RA” (Remington Arms, 1942-1944, page 404 of Joe Poyer’s book, “The 1903 Springfield Rifle” 3rd Edition by Joe Poyer) followed by an Ordnance Department “crossed cannons” cartouche and with a set of initials ”FJA” (inspector Frank J. Atwood, Remington Arms/Smith Corona 1942-1944, page 399). The “FJA” appears to have been restamped as there is no “box” around the initials. It may have been restamped during the Arsenal Rebuild. For a photo of all three markings on a rifle stock see page 395 of “The 1903 Springfield Rifle”. The left side of the butt is marked with a post WWII Arsenal Rebuild stamp from the Ogden Arsenal “OG in a box” (page 403). The bottom of the grip is marked with a “P” proof and a “circled P” proof. The area of wood in front of the bottom metal is stamped with 4 inspection stamps that consist of various “boxed & circled numbers”.
The left side of the front sight protector is marked “flaming bomb / U.S.”. The interior of the sling is marked “L.E.S.” between the stitching at the joining loop. The bottom of the sling is marked “MRT 11-57”.
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 has a straight grip, metal nose cap, stacking loop, 2 barrel bands, 2 sling loops, 2 reinforcing pins and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The buttplate and stock hardware show light scrapes. Both sides of the stock show small circular surface repairs around the reinforcing pins. The wood shows scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Many of these marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal Rebuild
Bore Condition: The 2 grooved bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.5..
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The metal shows scuffs, a few light scrapes and 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: The rifle comes with a front sight protector that shows scuffs. It is in about Fine condition. It also comes with a leather sling. The leather shows light scrapes & light discoloration. The metal shows oxidation & light scrapes. Overall it is in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition.
Our Assessment: This Remington Model 1903-A3 was made during WWII. Ater WWII it was rebuilt at the Ogden Arsenal in Utah and is marked accordingly on the stock. This 03A3 has lots of Remington markings on the metal and on the wood. The markings on the receiver & barrel are deep and the markings on the wood are in great shape for a Military service rifle that is almost 80 years old. The bore and metal finish are also impressive. This is a Nice 03A3 for your collection.