Remington 1903a3 info

[usmchog]

I just picked up a '43 Remington 03a3 and thought I would post just to see what I might have beyond what I already know about it.

It's all Remington except the bolt body which is S/C
It evidently went through an arsenal inspection at the Rochester Arsenal
I don't believe it was re-built (although I'm a little stumped why the bolt was replaced)
Very few of the inspector's cartouches in front of the trigger guard
Is stamped SS (surplus serviceable) on the stock
I believe this to be the original stock (but open to suggestions)
Upon full disassembly, the insides (wood and metal) are perfect condition
Receiver and barrel park. is perfect and looks original as well
Bolt looks like it was re-park'd over the original bluing
Follower is also park'd (I'm starting to think that someone might have Durocoated these parts

I've attached a couple pics, but if anyone wants to see any other shots or different lighting let me know and I'll try to get those.

I don't necessarily think I have some hidden treasure, but I certainly don't know everything there is to know about these either and am open to any nuggets of info all you experts can pass along.

Thanks006..jpg010..jpg005..jpg008..jpg011..jpg

[Rick the Librarian]

Your rifle was among the last Remington M1903A3s manufactured. You don't provide a lot of information in the pictures.

There was no such thing as "Rochester Arsenal" - if you are referring to the FJA, Frank J. Atwood was the commander of the Rochester Ordnance District, an area which encompassed Remington, Smith-Corona, and other arms plants. If you are referring to an "RA" stamp, that was "Remington Arms".

Try posting some pictures showing more of the "overall" rifle - like from the cocking piece to forward of the receiver on both sides.

[usmchog]

Sorry for the confusion, I meant Rochester "Ordinance". It was a little late when I posted.
I'll try and get some more pics posted, for some reason the website kept blocking a few of the pics I tried to post. I'll try to get some more posted. Like I previously mentioned, if anybody wants to see a particular pic from a specific angle let me know.

thanks,
andy

[John Beard]

Your rifle appears arsenal-overhauled, refinished, and re-assembled from mixed parts. The "RA" marking in the stock is the manufacturer's mark signifying Remington Arms.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[Jeff L]

Looks almost brand new.

[usmchog]

Not trying to disregard your comment, but it seems odd to me that it could go through all that work and end up with all Remington parts (except the bolt of course). I'm just throwing out thoughts and ideas. I guess I'm trying to overthink this rifles history. Did the DCM mark rifles in any way when they went through their facility? Just curious if it might be worth it to pay the $25 to CMP to check out the history. Am I correct that CMP has all the old DCM records?

[usmchog]

You should see the inside. Stock and metal are spotless and the barrel is perfect. Rifling's as sharp as brand new and the bore is absolute mirror.

[Rick the Librarian]

Rifles rebuilt were often restored to near-new condition. I received an M1 Garand from the CMP in 1999. The only "original" part was the receiver; however, the rifle appeared it had just come off the assembly line - looked almost new.

[ut1seabee]

Not trying to disregard your comment, but it seems odd to me that it could go through all that work and end up with all Remington parts (except the bolt of course). I'm just throwing out thoughts and ideas. I guess I'm trying to overthink this rifles history. Did the DCM mark rifles in any way when they went through their facility? Just curious if it might be worth it to pay the $25 to CMP to check out the history. Am I correct that CMP has all the old DCM records?

The parts may indeed be Remington,but appear to be refinished.JB or Rick can certainly indicate specifics as to your
rifle.Aside from that,you have a fine looking rifle.

[Major Tom]

Anyways, very nice rifle!

[usmchog]

Thanks, I can't wait to take it to the range.

[oakfarm]

Hey,What is the SS on the stock? I have seen this on a Rifle(03-a3)before. P.S.Why didn't anyone ask befofe now? TIA. Lee W.

[usmchog]

Your rifle was among the last Remington M1903A3s manufactured. You don't provide a lot of information in the pictures.

There was no such thing as "Rochester Arsenal" - if you are referring to the FJA, Frank J. Atwood was the commander of the Rochester Ordnance District, an area which encompassed Remington, Smith-Corona, and other arms plants. If you are referring to an "RA" stamp, that was "Remington Arms".


Try posting some pictures showing more of the "overall" rifle - like from the cocking piece to forward of the receiver on both sides.

Rick,
Here's a couple pics, hope this helps. If the lighting or angle isn't quite right let me know and I'll get them updated.

Thanks

[usmchog]

Hey,What is the SS on the stock? I have seen this on a Rifle(03-a3)before. P.S.Why didn't anyone ask befofe now? TIA. Lee W.

It stands for "serviceable surplus". If a stock is marked "US", that stands for "unserviceable surplus". SS is always preferred from I've been told.

[oakfarm]

thank you John. I did not know that.