Remington Model 03A3 1903A3 .30-06 Sprg WWII Bolt Action Rifle MFD 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1125
LSB#: 210722SR02
Make: Remington
Model: 1903A3 (03-A3)
Serial Number: 3778380
Year of Manufacture: 1943 (Page 375 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition). Barrel Date: April 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 / 3778380”. The top of the barrel is marked “R A / flaming bomb / 4- 43”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “P” twice. The right side of the front sight blade is marked “C” and the right side of the base is marked “R”. The safety is marked “SAFE READY” and the magazine cutoff is marked “ON OFF”. The bottom of the grip is marked with a “circled P” proof. The bottom of the forend is stamped with boxed and circled numbers in front of the bottom metal. The magazine cut-off, right of the nosecap, stacking loop, front sling loop, safety, and right rear of the bolt are marked marked “R”. The rear sling loop base is marked “R.P.”. The underside of the bolt handle is marked “R” and with a punch dot. The left side of the stock has an “RA” cartouche, crossed cannon cartouche, and an “FJA” cartouche. There are a few other small markings on the rifle. The right side of the front sight cover is marked “R” and the left side is marked with a flaming bomb over “U.S.”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade set in a raised base. 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, barrel band, 2 sling loops, 2 reinforcing bolts, and a metal buttplate with a hinged door for storage. The stock has very few defects but there are some little compressions. There are a few small marks into the wood, most noticeable on the left of the buttstock. There are a few light scrapes on the bottom of the forend from the removal of the barrel band. There are a few light scratches. The LOP measures approximately 13 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some scattered light marks, finish loss on the edges, and a few little spots of light oxidation. The stock rates in about Fine Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The 4 grooved bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. The bore has an M.E. of about 1.0.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are a few spots of oxidation on the barrel. There are a few little nicks on the bottom of the barrel. There is a bit of thinning on the edges. There are a few oil marks on the receiver. The bolt handle has some scattered light marks. There is standard operational wear. The screw heads show light use. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about 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 canvas sling, canvas muzzle cover, and a cleaning kit in the buttstock
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 was made by Remington and has nice markings and some light wear to the metal. It still looks great, has nice markings, and a great bore just waiting to be shot. This will be a nice addition to your C&R or military surplus collection. Please see our photos and good luck!