U.S. Remington 1903A3 03-A4 Sniper Clone Bolt Action Rifle .30-06, 1942
SOLD FOR: $1,175.00
LSB#: WY240905SP114
Make: Remington Arms Co.
Model: 03-A3
Serial Number: 3356464
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 / 3356464” The mag disconnect is marked, “ON / OFF”. The barrel is marked “RA / 5-43” with an ordnance bomb. The stock is marked “I 119”.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The original sights have been removed. There is a scope mount tapped to the receiver with a Weaver K2.5 scope attached to the mount. The scope is in good condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece wood set with a forend cap/bayonet lug & stacking loop, barrel band w/ sling loop, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, sling loop, and steel buttplate. There are pressure dents, scratches, and and chips throughout. There is a large crack behind the receiver. The stock rates in about Fair overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued/Parkerized.
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion and light pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10 for C&R.
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. There are light handling marks throughout. The action has moderate wear and drag lines. The screw heads are mostly sharp. The markings are clear. The receiver has been drilled and tapped. There is corrosion on the bolt handle, bolt, and bottom metal. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very reGood 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: This rifle comes with a leather sling in Very Good condition. The leather is pliable. There are no rips or tears.
Our Assessment: The U.S. Remington 03-A3 1903 Bolt Action Rifle, often referred to simply as the Remington 03-A3 or the 1903A3, is a military rifle that served as the standard-issue firearm for the United States military during World War II and beyond. It was an updated version of the earlier Springfield M1903 rifle and was produced by Remington Arms Company. The 1903A3 featured several modifications and improvements over its predecessor, the Springfield M1903. One notable change was the adoption of a new rear sight aperture, which replaced the problematic and fragile sight used on the M1903. The 1903A3 also incorporated a simplified stock design and a stamped trigger guard to expedite production. Chambered in .30-06 Springfield, the 1903A3 rifle retained the excellent accuracy and reliability of its predecessor. It utilizes a five-round internal box magazine and had a five-groove rifled barrel with a rifling twist rate of 1:10 inches. The Remington 03-A3 rifle was widely used by U.S. forces during World War II, seeing action in theaters such as the European and Pacific theaters. It continued to serve as a primary infantry rifle for U.S. troops during the Korean War and saw limited use in subsequent conflicts.
After its military service, many surplus 1903A3 rifles were sold to civilians and became popular among collectors and shooting enthusiasts. Today, the Remington 03-A3 remains highly regarded for its robust construction, accuracy, and historical significance. – R.E.
