Acquiring a Rem 03A3, how good are the ...

[jjrothWA]

reproduction FM sold at gun shows?

What spare parts to obtain? {e.g.: front half of firing pin, extractor, main spring, ???]

Who has surplus front hand guards, already have a WWII stock, the present was cut-down to sporter style]

If a barreling is needed try to locate a HS [4-groove] or standard 2-groove]?

Thanks'.

[Merc]

Spare parts for 03A3s can be found on eBay including NOS barrels and stock components. Be aware that some M1903 parts (extractors, etc.) will work on 03A3s.

[togor]

2 groove barrels in good condition shoot fine in GI bedding. If you are looking for a shooter then go for crossbolts not pins in the stock.

[Johnny P]

The two groove barrels shoot cast bullets really well.

The 03-A3 saw limited service, so as new spare parts are not that hard to find.

[lyman]

reproduction FM?

[Johnny P]

Most of the gunshow TM's are reproduced from originals.

[Shomway]

For the most part, spares are not needed. I believe originally the 1903 had a spare complete bolt guts that was stored in the stock.

[lyman]

Most of the gunshow TM's are reproduced from originals.

wasn't sure if he meant Field Manual or not,

[Johnny P]

The spare parts container had a striker, extractor, and firing pin. When issued, it was issued to every other rifle. One rifle with spare parts, other rifle with cleaning kit.

[Kragrifle]

The spare parts container was a 1903 Springfield item, but only in the early rifles. The ?container? was actually a wooden dowel like device with cutouts for the spare parts. I can provide a photo if interested.

[Johnny P]

The spare parts container are very rare and expensive as they were quickly discarded, but there are reproductions that are virtually identical to the originals.

[Kragrifle]

I’m including the information from Brophy’s book. As you can see these were used between 1911 to 1924, but obviously not on every rifle. Yes, the are uncommon as this one is the only one I have seen in 40+ years. They include a striker, firing pin and extractor. As to reproductions I have not seen one, but if someone has one of these reproductions I would like to see a photo. Years ago a gentleman who was superb at wood working told a friend of mine these almost impossible to reproduce (though I understand he did at least one.

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[Kragrifle]

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[Johnny P]

Over the years I probably had 20 to 25 pre 1920 1903 Springfield rifles. On each one I thought maybe I might luck up on one of the spare parts kits, but never did. Accumulated quite a few of the nickel cleaning kits.

The one I wish I had kept had a W.E.S. acceptance mark. Frank Hosmer was the government inspector for Springfield Armory at Colt for virtually all of the Model 1911 pistols. In 1916 he was briefly assigned to San Antonio Arsenal, and W.E. Strong replaced him during this time. 1916 was the lowest production year for the Model 1911 pistol, and Strong was inspector for only a few of these pistols. After selling the W.E.S. 1903 rifle I found a Model 1911 Colt with the inspection mark of Strong.

[John Beard]

Bill Bentz is reproducing the wooden spare parts container. dcm450shtr@gmail.com.

Good Luck!

J.B.