Remington Model 03-A3 1903A3 30-06 Sprg 24″ WWII Bolt Action Rifle 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1350
LSB#: 211117SH03
Make: Remington
Model: 1903A3 (03-A3)
Serial Number: 4030403
Year of Manufacture: 1943 (page 375 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition). Barrel Date: January, 1944
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. / REMINGTON / MODEL 03-A3 / 4030403”. The top of the Smith Corona replacement barrel is marked “S C / flaming bomb / 1- 44”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “P”. The right side of the front sight base is marked “G”. The left side of the nosecap, stacking loop, front sling loop, rear of the safety, magazine cutoff, right rear of the bolt, firing pin, and rear sling loop base are marked “R”. The underside of the bolt handle has a small punch dot. The extractor is marked “S”. The right rear of the bolt has a box with “3”. There is a faint “FJA” proof on the left side of the wrist.
Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade set in a raised base. The front sight has a 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 a hinged door for storage. The stock has been refinished. The stock has some scattered scuffs and a few light compressions. There are a few minor scrapes, the most noticeable are on the bottom in front of the rear barrel band. 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 on the edges, little nicks, and small scratches. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Arsenal Refurbished
Bore Condition: The 4 grooved bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There are a few spots of light erosion. The bore shows an M.E. of about 0.75.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is some thinning on the receiver, mostly on the edges. The bolt handle has some thinning and discoloration from previous oxidation. The bottom metal has some little nicks and thinning. The barrel has some little nicks, scrapes, and spots of thinning. The edges have some thinning. The screw heads show light use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good-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: Included is a green 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 Remington Model 1903-A3 was made during WWII. This 03A3 has lots of Remington markings on the metal and the finish 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. It has since been installed with a Smith Corona replacement barrel. The bore is equally impressive 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