Remington Model 03-A3 1903-A3 .30-06 Sprg WWII Bolt Action Rifle 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1325
LSB#: 210506MW65
Make: Remington
Model: 1903A3 (03-A3)
Serial Number: 3464486
Year of Manufacture: 1943 (page 375 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition). Barrel Date: February 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 / 3464486”. The top of the barrel is marked “R A / flaming bomb / 2- 43”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “P” and has a partial import mark that reads “N / RIDGEFIELD,NJ”. The left of the barrel is marked “1”. The safety is marked “SAFE READY” and the magazine cutoff is marked “ON OFF”. The front sight cover is marked with a circled “P” on the left. The stacking loop, front sling loop, rear sling loop base, magazine cutoff, rear of the safety, underside of the bolt handle, and right rear of the bolt body are each marked “R”. The rear of the base of the bolt handle and rear of the safety have small marks. The top of the base of the bolt handle has an encircled “8”. The extractor collar is marked with an encircled “R”. The left side of the stock, above the trigger, is marked with 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 bottom of the grip is marked with “W” and a heavily faded circled “P” proof. The right side of the stock at the action is marked “12” and the right side of the buttstock is marked “4690”.
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. There are some scattered scratches, scrapes, and compressions, the majority are on the handguard and have darkened with age. There are some little oil marks on the buttstock at the buttplate. There is a little loss on the upper edge of the right side at the chamber ring. The LOP measures 12 3/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some finish loss, light scabbing, and some light erosion. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The 4 grooved bore is semi-bright. The rifling is sharp. There are a few small spots of faint surface erosion. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.0.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The metal shows scuffs, mottled thinning, and some discoloration from previous oxidation. There are some oil marks on the metal. There are some scuffs that have thinned the finish and a few little dings into the metal on the bottom metal. The screw heads show light use. The markings are mostly 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: This Remington Model 1903-A3 was made during WWII. This 03A3 has lots of Remington markings on the metal and the finish still 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. The bore is good and will deliver lead as aimed for years to come. This is a Nice 03A3 for your collection and will be fun to shoot at the range. Please see our photos and good luck!