1903-A3 Stock Question

[jerrbear]

Just purchased a Rem 1903-A3. Gun is in like new condition . It has gone thru a arsenal as it has the OGEK in a box stamping. It has the FJA and ordinance wheel stamping but no RA stamp. it does have a flaming bomb stamp on the stock tip. The only part I see replaced is the cutoff switch as it is the blocked lettering style. The finish looks all original to me and the gun is full of R markings. Serial No. 3967529 with a barrel dated 9-43. What is the deal with the stock? Could it be the original? I have a Rem 1903 serial no. 3290985 with the same stamp on the tip only larger. I would like your thoughts on this. Thanks

[Darreld Walton]

Describe the shape of the end of the rear band retainer spring slot. Rounded shape, as if done with a mill or router would indicate SC origin, "scooped" as if done with a chisel or scraper would be a Remington stock. Also, on the bottom of the stock, in front of the rear band spring, are there any acceptance/inspection marks? Four, arranged neatly in a "square" pattern would say "SC", to me, many more than that, haphazardly applied would be Remington.
You also didn't mention if your stock was a "straight grip", C-type, or 'scant', nor if there was any marking applied in the cutoff relief. C type or scant are not original to any 1903A3, nor is a "grasping grooved" forend.
Hope this helps.

[jerrbear]

Stock is a Remington, no question. S stock with the markings in front of the trigger guard. I just thought all of the 03A3 Rem stocks were stamped RA. Am not aware the 03A3 stock was stamped on the tip with a flaming bomb. That is why I question if it is original to the gun.

[m1903rifle]

You will need to look at the band retainer slot , size of the "P" proof mark circle , and the symbols stamped ahead of the trigger guard. to be sure. Both Remington and SC had the FJA , Crossed cannons, and the symbols ahead of the trigger guard. The symbols for SC and Remington are different however. Pictures of these areas will help.

[jerrbear]

Stock retainer slot is sq cut. No diamond shapes in front of trigger guard and has the smaller P in a circle which tells me it is a Rem Stock. Were Rem 03A3 stocks stamped with a flaming bomb on the tip? Forgot to mention stock has pins rather than bolts

[Rick the Librarian]

Earlier Remington stocks lacked the "RA" stamp. Most of those were pinned. Does yours have pins or stock bolts?

As I recall, both the RA stamp and stock bolts were added in the late summer of 1943.

[jerrbear]

My stock has pins.

[John Beard]

Your rifle's stock is a replacement from an earlier M'03-A3. Early M'03-A3 stocks were pin-reinforced and lacked the "RA" stamping. Your rifle's original stock was reinforced with crossbolts and had the "RA" stamping.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[jerrbear]

Thanks John! I kind of thought that was the case but was looking for some "EXPERT" help and you came through as usual. Wish it was the original stock as the rest of the gun is very nice. But after all it is a arsenal rebuild. As always your help is very much appreciated. Thanks again John!

[IditarodJoe]

Dang nabbit . . . OK, now I'm curious and nobody has yet answered the question. Did 1903A3s (or any US service rifle for that matter) ever have the "flaming bomb" stamped on the tip of the stock? If so, which and when? I've never seen nor heard of it, but I'd really like to know.

[Roadkingtrax]

Remington did, not sure if it was a standard stamp however. This stock is a 1903* stock, not a 1903a3, RLB marked.

[Rick the Librarian]

Roadking,

Was that a "later" RLB or an earlier one?

The "flaming bomb, to my knowledge, appeared on all M1903A3s and later Remington M1903s.

[Roadkingtrax]

Roadking,

Was that a "later" RLB or an earlier one?

The "flaming bomb, to my knowledge, appeared on all M1903A3s and later Remington M1903s.

Early mid-production wide, unboxed R L B.

Only poor picture I have at the moment.

[Rick the Librarian]

The flaming grenade is probably correct. Maybe JB could fill us in when that stamp first appeared. I know I see it on all FJA M1903s and M1903A3s.

[Johnny P]

An 03-A3 cut stock with reinforcing pins, no RA, 7/16" circle/P, and ordnance bomb on tip.