info for my US Remington 1903A3

[45acpguy]

Just wanted to share some pics and hopefully get a bit more info on my US Remington 1903A3 rifle. Just acquired it this past weekend and my knowledge on these particular rifles is rather limited, so Im hoping someone in the Calguns circle can give me bit more info on-top of what I already know.

S/N 3,490,XXX. The stock is the original, and has the RRA stamping and proof mark behind the trigger guard. I have seen several "sporter style" stocks, but none having all the OG proof marks from the arsenal. Does anyone know if these stocks ever came out of the arsenals shortened or sporterized? It looks too good to have been modified, but I guess it's possible a gunsmith did one hell of a professional job sporterizing this stock. I also have read that in early Vietnam, many of the A3 & A4 rifles were equipped with scopes and issued as sniper rifles. The stock on mine is also notched/cut for the bolt to and clear the scope when cycling. The barrel is stamped RA 5-44 production and the bolt is stamped "R".

All in all, the rifle appears to be for the most part very OG with the exception of the stock most likely. Front and rear sights are OG and intact, the barrel hasn't been cut/shortened, no holes have been drilled and tapped in receiver for aftermarket scopes, etc. Any further info from someone with a lot knowledge on these would be appreciated.

[highpower]

Your '03-A3 went through a test and check (or maybe a rebuild) at the Red River Arsenal after WWII. If there is no other proofs or inspectors marks on the stock it is a replacement. The P inside a square is a rebuild proof. Original production rifles had the P inside a circle.

Unfortunately, there were no arsenal sporters produced during this time so someone had thoughtfully cut up the original stock and lost the front bayonet mount and stacking swivel band and swivel. The bolt has either been bent for a scope (most likely) or is a 03-A4 bolt.

I have a 03-A3 very close to yours and will post a few pics to help you identify the parts you will need if you choose the restore it.

[Enfield47]

Even though its been sporterized, they did do a nice job on the stock. You can find a replacement stock from the CMP, but it will be new manufacture. I haven't looked for an original one, but I'm sure you could pick one up with a little searching.

Do you have pics of the whole rifle?

[Crunch130]

Highpower - nice rifle. GORGEOUS stock!

45acpguy - The 1903A3s were usually carried in trucks, jeeps, support vehicles and otherwise issued in rear areas. The M1 Garands were at the front, where the infantry and Marines needed them. That's why 03A3s show plenty of holster wear, but not a lot of shooting.

I read a good book on US Sniping from the Revolution on, and the author's take was that Winchester Model 70's in 30-06 from the AMU were common in Vietnam prior to the Army M40 and USMC M24 Remington 700-based sniper weapon systems.

Regards,
Crunch

[45acpguy]

thx for the info Highpower. So with that being said, I would think this particular 1903 would make a great candidate for "re-militarizing" as my receiver, barrel, sights, tigger, etc are all OG to the rifle. I've seen a number of original stocks for sale (although pricey at $200-300) and the bolts are a dime a doesn on ebay. I can still buy an original stock with all the metal and an original bolt and be into this rifle for WELL UNDER $1000.

[Crunch130]

It IS a good candidate to restore. Check actual selling prices for similar rifles on Gunbroker for an idea on a reasonable total budget.

Boyd's Gunstocks probably has a nice walnut repro for a reasonable price. You will still need some hardware like a bayonet mount and forward barrel band.

Regards,
Crunch

[DennisCA]

45acpguy - I know i have one too! (That some *&^%@#! sporterized it!)

[smle-man]

Highpower - nice rifle. GORGEOUS stock!

45acpguy - The 1903A3s were usually carried in trucks, jeeps, support vehicles and otherwise issued in rear areas. The M1 Garands were at the front, where the infantry and Marines needed them. That's why 03A3s show plenty of holster wear, but not a lot of shooting.

I read a good book on US Sniping from the Revolution on, and the author's take was that Winchester Model 70's in 30-06 from the AMU were common in Vietnam prior to the Army M40 and USMC M24 Remington 700-based sniper weapon systems.

Regards,
Crunch

I recently saw a series of photos of GIs in WW2 Europe post D-Day. I was surprised by the number of 03A3s seen. They may not have been infantry but the Signal, Combat Engineers, MPs and like were up front being shot at as well as Infantry. These weren't the usual grenade launcher 03s that show up in WW2 European theater photos.

[highpower]

You might want to try a company called Northridge Supply in Northridge CA. I have acquired a couple of genuine GI stocks from them at very reasonable prices.

[45acpguy]

You might want to try a company called Northridge Supply in Northridge CA. I have acquired a couple of genuine GI stocks from them at very reasonable prices.

I actually just came across their website today and they're only 20mins or so from me.

[Buffalo Dude]

Very nice looking.

I got a 1903a3 last year that looks mostly original except for a replacement stock. Still havent shot it yet.

[0321jarhead]

45acpguy,

If you have the book "The Springfield 1903 Rifles" by Lt. Col. William S. Brophy, take a look on page 60. It looks a lot like yours. Stock & handguard very a little bit.

[45acpguy]

45acpguy,

If you have the book "The Springfield 1903 Rifles" by Lt. Col. William S. Brophy, take a look on page 60. It looks a lot like yours. Stock & handguard very a little bit.

I don't have it... but I'd really like to see that.