WWII U.S. Remington 03-A3 1903A3 .30-06 SPRG Bolt Action Rifle 1942 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,225.00
LSB#: 241207AA257.1
Make: Remington
Model: 03A3
Serial Number: 3561074
Year of Manufacture: May 1942 (https://www.remingtonsociety.org/1903-and-1903a3-production-and-serial-no-table/)
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt action, control feed, internal 5 round magazine fed
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “U.S. REMINGTON / MODEL 03-A3 / 3561074” The mag disconnect is marked, “ON / OFF” The barrel is marked, “R. A. / 2 43” with a flaming bomb proof. The safety is marked “READY / SAFE”. The left side of the stock is marked “FJA. (Frank J. Atwood)” with ordnance cannons. There are small station marks throughout.
Barrel Length: 23.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade set on top of a tall base, the rear sight is an adjustable peephole set into a tangent base.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece walnut stock has a steel cap w/ bayonet lug and stacking loop, barrel band w/ sling loop, straight wrist, straight comb, sling loop, with a knurled steel buttplate. There are light pressure dents and scratches throughout. There are small chips throughout. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 12 7/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates about Very Good + overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized, DuLite
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion in the bore along with light spots of pitting and rust. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 7.5/10.
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 85% of its metal finish. There are moderate handling marks throughout along with light spots of thinning. The action has moderate wear from use. The screw heads are mostly sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good 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: 1903 Leather sling.
Our Assessment: This Remington 1903A3 rifle, produced in May of 1942, is a fine example of America’s effort to modernize its standard infantry arm early in World War II. As demand for rifles surged following U.S. entry into the war, Remington was tasked with reviving the 1903 platform and adapting it for mass production. The result was the 1903A3—an updated design that retained the strong Mauser-based action of the original Springfield rifle but featured cost-saving stamped components, a simplified rear peep sight, and Parkerized finish. This example, serial number 3561074, falls within the first wave of wartime production and is appropriately paired with a Remington “RA” marked barrel dated “2-43,” and the FJA (Frank J. Atwood) cartouche on the left side of the stock confirms it passed inspection during Atwood’s tenure as Springfield District Chief. This rifle is in Very Good condition overall, retaining approximately 85% of its original Parkerized and DuLite finish with honest wear and scattered handling marks from service. The bore remains strong with sharp rifling and only light erosion, rating about 7.5/10—very respectable for a WWII-era service rifle that likely saw corrosive ammunition. The walnut stock retains a crisp military profile with only light handling marks, small chips, and no structural cracks. The mechanical condition is excellent, with the bolt cycling smoothly and the controls functioning as intended. The inclusion of a leather 1903 sling adds both practical and collectible value.
This Remington 1903A3 is a solid representation of a U.S. wartime service rifle and would make a valuable addition to any collection focused on World War II firearms, American military arms, or Springfield variants. Whether appreciated for its history, function, or craftsmanship, this rifle reflects the transitional design and industrial effort that helped equip American forces during a global conflict. -R.E.
