Remington Model 1903 Transitional .30-06 Sprg. WWII Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1275
LSB#: 210711RW43
Make: Remington
Model: 1903 Transitional
Serial Number: 3134102
Year of Manufacture: 1942 (page 373 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition) Barrel Date: May 1942
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. / REMINGTON / MODEL 1903 / 3134102”. The top of the barrel is marked “R A / flaming bomb / 5-42”. The nose of the forend has a flaming bomb stamping. The magazine cutoff is marked “ON OFF” and the safety is marked “SAFE READY”. The bottom of the bolt handle is marked “R” and with a punch dot. The rear of the bolt handle is marked with boxed and circled numbers. The extractor collar is marked with an encircled “R”. The magazine cutoff, right of the front sight base, right of the nosecap, and rear sling loop base are marked “R”. The left of the stock is marked with an “FJA” Frank J. Atwood cartouche. The bottom of the forend is stamped with boxed and encircled numbers in front of the bottom metal. The bottom of the wrist has two circled “P” cartouches, “S”, and “M”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “P”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade set atop a small base. The rear sight is a “U” notched blade attached to a fully adjustable sight ladder marked from “3-27”. When flipped up separate notches and an aperture on the ladder can be used for sighting. The front sight has a hooded protector installed and the rear sight has a P.J. O’Hare protector installed.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two-piece hardwood stock has a straight grip, nosecap, stacking loop, barrel band, 2 sling loops, 2 reinforcing bolts, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage in the butt. There are some scattered compressions and scuffs. There are a few little scrapes and scratches. The stock exhibits typical wear of a military rifle but many of the defects have colored with age. The LOP measures 12 3/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has finish loss, some spots of minor erosion, little spots of discoloration, and scratches. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the four groove rifling is sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There is erosion throughout the bore. The bore shows an M.E. of 2.0.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. The metal shows thinning. There are some areas of mottled discoloration and patina, most noticeable on the floorplate. There are some spots of oxidation, most noticeable on the barrel and on the bottom metal. There are some scattered little nicks, dings, and scuffs. There are some oil stains. The screw heads show light use. The markings are 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: Included is a front sight protector, P.J. O’Hare rear sight protector, and a canvas sling.
Our Assessment: The M1903 Springfield 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. 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 one is a transitional model from 1942 when the features were tansitioning to what would become the 03-A3. It has great mechanics, an impressive finish, a nice stock, and comes with some cool accessories. It will add to your WWII or Military collection. Please see our photos and good luck!