Remington 1903A3 03-A3 Sniper 4X Scope .30-06 Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $2850
LSB#: 210608HT77
Make: Remington
Model: 1903A3 (03-A3). The rifle now resembles a Model 1903-A4 Sniper Rifle.
Serial Number: 3852625
Year of Manufacture: 1943 (page 375 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition). Barrel Date: July, 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 / 3852625”. The top of the barrel is marked “R A / flaming bomb / 7- 43”. The safety is marked “SAFE READY” and the magazine cutoff is marked “ON OFF”. The nosecap, stacking loop, front sling loop, underside of the bolt handle and the rear of the bolt assembly (twice) are each marked “R” for Remington. The scallop for the magazine cutoff is marked “L”. The left side of the buttstock is marked “S” and has been restamped with a partial Springfield inspector’s cartouche “S.A. in a box”. We do not know who restamped this mark. The bottom of the grip is marked with a “circled P” proof. The right side of the stock is stamped with a “rectangle” that contains “US PROPERTY / ROTC”.
The scope is marked “WEAVER B4 / EL PASO TEX. U.S.A. PAT’D”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches
Sights / Optics: The sighs have been removed to facilitate the use of a scope. A one piece Redfield style scope base is attached to the receiver by screws. The screws show heavy use. Two scope rings hold the fixed 4 power scope. Itt uses a crosshair reticle. The view appears clear but is slightly dim. The adjustment knobs turn. The scope tube shows light scrapes and some thin scratches. Overall the scope assembly is in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a straight grip, metal nose cap, stacking loop, 2 barrel bands, 2 sling loops, 2 through bolts, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The buttplate shows scrapes, scratches and discoloration. The wood shows scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. A few of these marks have damaged small portions of the surface wood. Most of these marks have been oiled over. The rear of the butt has adhesive residue on it. The LOP measures 13 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore has 2 grooves. The lands are bright, the grooves are semi bright, and the rifling is deep. There is fouling in the grooves that should clean up some. There is no visible erosion. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.0.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish as refinished. The edge of the trigger guard has surface erosion showing through the finish. The area to the rear of the magazine cutoff shows thinning. The metal shows scuffs and light scrapes. The screw heads show use but are refinished. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine 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: The rifle comes with a scope assembly; see above.
Our Assessment: This Remington Model 1903-A3 was made during WWII. It was part of an ROTC program and rebuilt to resemble a Model 1903-A4 Sniper Rifle. It is now topped with a 4 power Weaver scope. The rifle has great Remington markings on the receiver and barrel that are deep. There are also lots of little “R” markings on several of the small metal parts. This is a nice Military rifle for your collection.