Rick the Librarian
08-09-2016, 06:09
Rifle is SOLD pending arrival of funds
Offered for sale is a truly great rifle, one of the nicest Remington M1903A3s I have ever seen. This rifle was sold through the DCM and the paperwork (who it was sold and when) is included in the sale. This rifle is about the closest you’ll ever come to owning a M1903A3 as it came off the assembly line some 72 years ago.
The serial number is 4,179,790, which indicates an end of January or start of February, 1944 manufacture date. The barrel is dated 12-43 and has two grooves, the last definite production barrel assigned to new production. The bolt is one of the uncommon Remington-made bolts with a “square” safety lug. (Note: this is NOT a replacement made by another manufacturer. It has the usual R stamp under the bolt handle). All parts are marked with an R. The only exception is the extractor, which for some reason, was replaced, probably during examination before the rifle was sold, by a Rock Island WWI-era part. This can be replaced easily for a few dollars.
The stock is the original later model with a FJA (Frank J. Atwood) inspection stamp. (NOTE: Atwood was NOT the inspector, but commander of the Rochester Ordnance District). It also has an RA (Remington Arms) stamp as well as the ordnance “belt”. Stamp. The four sub-inspection stamps are forward of the trigger guard. Unlike many other DCM rifles, this did NOT come slathered in cosmolene, but “dry”, just as you see it.
The bore is pristine and the chamber bears almost no evidence of the rifle being fired (except probably for proof-testing before acceptance). The Muzzle wear is barely a “1”, which is to be expected. The throat erosion is slightly less than “1” and the chamber looks almost perfect.
The finish is all original, with a parked barrel and receiver; the bolt is the original blue/black, although the safety may be parked, also usual on very late M1903A3s. The trigger guard is an original blue/black, as are all of the bands. NONE of the screws appear to have been “turned,” as the slots are immaculate.
Included, as mentioned above are the original invoices which show the rifle as having been shipped on September, 1961 to Rudolph Bratlin of Las Vegas, Nevada from Raritan Arsenal in New Jersey. The original envelope that the invoice was enclosed is attached. (The shipping box is not present) There is a small “RA-P” on the stock which indicates inspection by this arsenal, probably just before it was shipped. Also included is a booklet, probably included with the rifle, a reprint from the NRA: “Remodeling the 03A3 Springfield”. (Fortunately, the original owner didn’t use the booklet!!)
This is a rare chance to own an original Remington M1903A3, as sold by the DCM 55 years ago. Price of the rifle as described above is $1500.00, shipping, insurance and any transfer fees extra. The rifle can be shipped via USPS Priority Mail to your door, if you have a Curio & Relic license, or to a FFL dealer. A USPS money order or other certified means of payment can be accepted.
You can email me at rrsbls@msn.com with questions. I have attached a number of pictures and more are available at:
M1903A3 for sale (http://www.fototime.com/inv/D462B66A18C26AA)
3694136942369433694436945
Offered for sale is a truly great rifle, one of the nicest Remington M1903A3s I have ever seen. This rifle was sold through the DCM and the paperwork (who it was sold and when) is included in the sale. This rifle is about the closest you’ll ever come to owning a M1903A3 as it came off the assembly line some 72 years ago.
The serial number is 4,179,790, which indicates an end of January or start of February, 1944 manufacture date. The barrel is dated 12-43 and has two grooves, the last definite production barrel assigned to new production. The bolt is one of the uncommon Remington-made bolts with a “square” safety lug. (Note: this is NOT a replacement made by another manufacturer. It has the usual R stamp under the bolt handle). All parts are marked with an R. The only exception is the extractor, which for some reason, was replaced, probably during examination before the rifle was sold, by a Rock Island WWI-era part. This can be replaced easily for a few dollars.
The stock is the original later model with a FJA (Frank J. Atwood) inspection stamp. (NOTE: Atwood was NOT the inspector, but commander of the Rochester Ordnance District). It also has an RA (Remington Arms) stamp as well as the ordnance “belt”. Stamp. The four sub-inspection stamps are forward of the trigger guard. Unlike many other DCM rifles, this did NOT come slathered in cosmolene, but “dry”, just as you see it.
The bore is pristine and the chamber bears almost no evidence of the rifle being fired (except probably for proof-testing before acceptance). The Muzzle wear is barely a “1”, which is to be expected. The throat erosion is slightly less than “1” and the chamber looks almost perfect.
The finish is all original, with a parked barrel and receiver; the bolt is the original blue/black, although the safety may be parked, also usual on very late M1903A3s. The trigger guard is an original blue/black, as are all of the bands. NONE of the screws appear to have been “turned,” as the slots are immaculate.
Included, as mentioned above are the original invoices which show the rifle as having been shipped on September, 1961 to Rudolph Bratlin of Las Vegas, Nevada from Raritan Arsenal in New Jersey. The original envelope that the invoice was enclosed is attached. (The shipping box is not present) There is a small “RA-P” on the stock which indicates inspection by this arsenal, probably just before it was shipped. Also included is a booklet, probably included with the rifle, a reprint from the NRA: “Remodeling the 03A3 Springfield”. (Fortunately, the original owner didn’t use the booklet!!)
This is a rare chance to own an original Remington M1903A3, as sold by the DCM 55 years ago. Price of the rifle as described above is $1500.00, shipping, insurance and any transfer fees extra. The rifle can be shipped via USPS Priority Mail to your door, if you have a Curio & Relic license, or to a FFL dealer. A USPS money order or other certified means of payment can be accepted.
You can email me at rrsbls@msn.com with questions. I have attached a number of pictures and more are available at:
M1903A3 for sale (http://www.fototime.com/inv/D462B66A18C26AA)
3694136942369433694436945