Remington 1903A3

[Defender3]

I'm not a 1903 guy but I saw this rifle and took a chance. Opinions, counsel and tutelage appreciated, and if someone could do an SRS check I'd be indebted. RA 3955959 with a star marked 9-43 RA barrel, clean and bright and measuring "0" at the muzzle. No idea what the TE might be as I don't have a throat gauge for an '03. The phone camera pictures are also the best I can do for right now as I'm on travel visiting lovely Georgia. TIA.

[Defender3]

[Rick the Librarian]

The barrel is probably original to the receiver. I see a few other mixed parts.

Does the right side of the stock have a "notch" so a "bent" bolt could clear a scope if it were mounted? If not sure, post another picture with the bolt handle raised.

[Defender3]

Thank-you for your reply. I believe the stock does have a notch but I'm afraid I do not have a picture of it immediately available. I'll look and post a picture tomorrow when I get home. A couple more pictures:

[Rick the Librarian]

Although I'd like someone who specializes in markings to look, I'm suspicious about the stock markings. They are those usually seen on a M1903A4 sniper rifle. Only the M1903A4 had a Type C stock with an FJA stamp. The "star gauge" mark in the 6:00 position on the muzzle crown is definitely a fake - and not a good one.

[Defender3]

I do appreciate your replies, sometimes an education is costly, in this case, not terribly. I bought this from an elderly gentlemen whom I'm certain has no malice. I'll have the chance to dig a bit deeper today and I'll post what I find in case it might help others.

[Rick the Librarian]

It depends how much you paid for it and how it was represented. I admit I'd like someone else to chime in on the stock markings.

I would guess the worth to be in the $650-700 range, with the stock.

[m1903rifle]

I also think the 1903A4 stocks would have the RA mark in addition to the FJA and "Cross Cannons" cartouche. Of course, if the bolt handle notch is not present, I'm not sure what you have.

[Rick the Librarian]

I also think the 1903A4 stocks would have the RA mark in addition to the FJA and "Cross Cannons" cartouche. Of course, if the bolt handle notch is not present, I'm not sure what you have.

My thoughts exactly. It could be a stock from an earlier M1903A4, but again, the lack of a "notch" under the bolt handle is puzzling. If it was purchased from someone who had it for many years, the markings on the stock may not be fake and I had thought.

Lift up the cutoff lever (The ON-OFF lever) - do you see an "S" or a "K" stamp?

[Defender3]

I'll take a look at the stock and cut-off in more detail when I get back this afternoon; I'm on a flight out of Jacksonville right now then it's a drive out of DC to home.

[jgaynor]

The Bolt and Magazine Box Assembly are also incorrect for a rifle of that vintage. How many sub-inspectors marks are stamped on the bottom of the stock just forward of the magazine box assembly?

[Defender3]

My thoughts exactly. It could be a stock from an earlier M1903A4, but again, the lack of a "notch" under the bolt handle is puzzling. If it was purchased from someone who had it for many years, the markings on the stock may not be fake and I had thought.

Lift up the cutoff lever (The ON-OFF lever) - do you see an "S" or a "K" stamp?

There is no notch under the bolt handle and no markings in the area of the cut-off.

The Bolt and Magazine Box Assembly are also incorrect for a rifle of that vintage. How many sub-inspectors marks are stamped on the bottom of the stock just forward of the magazine box assembly?

Not a one.

Apparently this rifle came out of a National Guard Armory in Ohio.

[Embalmer]

stamps of my original 1903a4 stock




a3's ive seen have cross cannons after fja, a4's its before.

[Defender3]

Can anyone comment on the authenticity of the stamps?

[John Beard]

You have a rifle that's been overhauled, refinished, and re-assembled from mixed parts. The stock appears to be a modern reproduction that has been over-sanded and enhanced with fake stamps. The muzzle stamp is also fake.

The rifle should make an excellent shooter.

Hope this helps. Happy Holidays!

J.B.