CMP Service Grade US Remington M1903A3 Bolt Action Rifle, 1942 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,000.00
LSB#: WY240910RW012
Make: Remington Arms Co.
Model: M1903A3
Serial Number: 3976171
Year of Manufacture: 1942 (https://www.nps.gov/spar/learn/historyculture/u-s-springfield-model-1903-production.htm)
Caliber: .30-06
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “U.S. REMINGTON MODEL 03-A3 3976171”. The magazine cutoff is marked, “ON OFF”. The safety flag is marked, “SAFE READY”. The barrel is marked, “RA 4-43” with the flaming ordnance bomb. There are several small “R” proofs throughout. The stock is marked with a Rock Island Arsenal stamp, Remington Arms stamp, and The Frank J. Atwood inspection stamp. There is a “P” proof under the wrist.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade atop a barrel mounted base. The rear sight is a sliding adjustable peep sight with protective wings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece wood stock has a straight grip, metal nose cap with bayonet lug and stacking loop, barrel band with sling loop, sling loop, two through bolts, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The stock has been refinished by the CMP. The buttplate has light impact marks. There are light compression marks, scuffs, and scratches throughout the wood. The LOP measures 12.75” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to CMP refurbishment
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is faint erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9/10. Muzzle and throat readings are both +1.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish as refinished. There are light scuffs and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. The action and bolt show some operational wear. The screw heads show light to moderate use, with the buttplate screw head being the most worn. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as refinished.
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: This rifle comes with CMP paperwork.
Our Assessment: The CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program) Service Grade U.S. Remington M1903A3 in .30-06 is a bolt-action rifle highly regarded for its precision, rugged design, and historical significance. Manufactured by Remington Arms during World War II, the M1903A3 represents an evolutionary update to the earlier M1903 Springfield, combining proven features with wartime expediency. Its robust construction and adaptability made it a reliable service rifle for American forces during the conflict. The M1903A3 is chambered in .30-06 Springfield, a cartridge known for its versatility, accuracy, and power. Widely adopted by the U.S. military since 1906, the .30-06 proved effective in both rifles and machine guns, excelling in diverse combat scenarios due to its flat trajectory and range capabilities. The design of the M1903A3 retains the Mauser-inspired bolt-action mechanism of its predecessor, featuring a strong receiver and a five-round internal magazine. Key updates included the use of stamped metal parts for components like the barrel bands and trigger guard, streamlining production without compromising reliability. The rifle also incorporates a cock-on-opening bolt system, ensuring smooth operation under demanding conditions. A significant enhancement in the M1903A3 is its updated sighting system. The rifle features a rear aperture sight adjustable for windage and elevation, paired with a blade front sight. This system improved target acquisition and aiming precision compared to the original M1903’s barrel-mounted rear sight, making it particularly effective at ranges exceeding 1,000 yards. The M1903A3 entered service during World War II, supplementing the semi-automatic M1 Garand as a standard-issue infantry rifle. It was favored for its accuracy and ruggedness, often issued to snipers, engineers, and support troops. The rifle performed admirably in a variety of theaters, from the dense jungles of the Pacific to the open fields of Europe.
Today, CMP Service Grade M1903A3 rifles are prized by collectors, marksmen, and historians. The “Service Grade” designation signifies that these rifles are in good operational condition, with all major components intact and functional, though they may exhibit minor cosmetic wear from their service history. Their connection to World War II, American firearms evolution, and their role in military training programs make the M1903A3 a cherished piece of U.S. military heritage. -R.E.
