Remington Model 03-A3 1903-A3 .30-06 Sprg. WWII Bolt Action Rifle 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1025
LSB#: 210419MB61
Make: Remington
Model: 1903A3 (03-A3)
Serial Number: 3804270
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 / 3804270”. 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, right of the nosecap, front sling loop, magazine cutoff, rear of the safety, and right rear of the bolt are each marked “R”. The bottom of the bolt handle is stamped with a faded mark. The top of the base of the bolt handle is marked “BF / 37”. The rear sling loop base is stamped “RP”. 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). For a photo of all three markings on a rifle stock see page 395 of “The 1903 Springfield Rifle”. The bottom of the grip is marked with 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 right side of the buttstock is stamped “AAA / 026”.
The left side of the front sight protector is marked “flaming bomb / U.S.”.
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 bolts and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The wood shows scrapes, scratches, dings, and compression marks. The deepest marks are on the bottom in front of the floorplate and on the comb at the front. Many of these marks have been oiled over. There is a hole on the left side under the magazine block lever. The LOP measures 12 3/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some scattered scuffs and light marks that have lightly thinned the finish. The stock rates in about Good-Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The 2 grooved bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.8.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 93% of its metal finish. Portions of the rear of the bolt and the safety have been polished bright. The receiver shows some light scuffs, a few spots of discoloration from previous oxidation, and oil stains. The bottom metal shows some scuffs, spots of oxidation, and some scratches on the trigger guard. The barrel has some oil stains and a few little marks into the finsh. The stock fittings have some discoloration from previous oxidation and a few light scabs. The screw heads show light use. The markings are deep. 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: The rifle comes with a front sight protector that shows scuffs and oil stains. It is in about Fine condition. It also comes with a canvas sling. The cloth shows some discoloration and the metal shows some oxidation and scuffs. Overall it is in about Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: This Remington Model 1903-A3 was made during WWII. 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. Please see our photos and good luck!