Thanks for the reply,

I can't lie...for the most part my A-5's sit in the safes but I have shot them on occasion, this particular one comes with a matching slug barrel and leather case. I've had it about 15 years nowand I have never pulled the trigger on it. I will one day though, I think I'll take it out bird hunting...it's the least I can do for her.

I would like to hear the stories that 03A3 can tell!!! Tom.

03A3's did see some limited action in the pacific but not much. The M1Garand isa Winchester and I was able to look up the serial number and found it was built in 1942 andit's last destination wasEngland in the fall of 1943.......It fits the time line for the gear-upto the Normandy invasion. If it ever hit the beaches, I'll never know but odds areit was there in Northern France slugging it out between the hedgerows!

I love collecting these types of firearms more than anything, theywere a part ofAmerican/world history and helped shape our country and the world as we know it today. They are silent windows into the past and a picture of an era that will never be seen again. That M1 probably went on to see duty inKorea as most M1's did, maybeeven in myfathers unit.....who knows.

Thanks for taking a peek!

I have an 03A3 that was refurbed at RR in 1944. It is one of the ones the had the fold over scope mount on it. I do not know if it has any value, and honestly I do not care, my dad gave it to me. It will shoot 1-1/2 inch groups all day long with whatever you feed it. Tom.

You lost me with that.....does it have a scope mount on it? what does it say on the top of the receiver? It should either be Remington or Smith Corona (along with an 03A3 designation). They were the only two manufacturers of the 03A3. If it says anything else it may be an older03.

Where the bolt release is at was replaced by a small flat piece of steel that folds over to take the bolt out. The scope mounts on top of the flat piece of steel with two screw holes. Very similar to the Wincesterside mount scope mount. I assumed this was done by RR-it looks time period like??? It is held in place by a set screw. It may be a Remington, I am not sure. It is marked as a refurb in 1944 at Rock River Arsenal. I would have to check for the other markings. I will get it out one day a post a picture. The rifle is in my vault. I am pretty sure it is an 03A3-but I could be mistaken, I am not an expert on such things. Tom.

Ok I got ya now.....that's an aftermarket "drill free" scope mount. It fits in place of the cut off switch on the left side of the receiver. I don't even think it was available beck then.

The easy way to tell if it's an 03 or an 03A3 is the location of the rear sight. If it's in front of the receiver and has a graduated ladder it's an older 03. If it's located at the rear of the receiver (about where you describe the scope mount to be) it's an 03A3. Yours might have been removed to make room for the scope mount.

They are great rifles either way and it sounds like yours has not been permanently re-arranged and could be put back to mil spec if so wanted.