Remington M1903-A3 Resources
06-25-2010, 06:06 PM
#1
Nontypical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: WY
Posts: 2,056
Remington M1903-A3 Resources
So, I have this 03-A3 that's been taking up space in the back of my safe for awhile. Though I'm not terribly inclined to part with it, I'm interested in finding out a bit more about it. I'd say it's in pretty good shape, considering it's apparent age. The action is smooth, and I don't see any signs of rust on it at all.
The references I've found so far regarding serial numbers place the reciever as being manufactured by Remington in 1942. However, there's an "R.A" stamped on the top of the barrel just behind the front sight, with an ordnance corps "bursting shell" below it, and then a "9-43" stamped below that. The stock itself might have been lightly refinished at some point (that, or the markings were worn smooth). Nonetheless, there appear to be some geometric shapes pressed into the wood just forward of the floorplate, and then a circle with possibly a letter inside it just behind the trigger guard. On the left-hand side, between the trigger and the receiver, is an "RA", followed by a faint Ordnance crest, and then what appear to be the letters "FJA" that might once have been enclosed in a box, though now just the two ends are visible.
I picked this rifle up for $150 in 1993. I'm assuming that it's a collection of non-original parts or I'd probably have had to pay a lot more for it, judging by what I've seen on GB lately.
On the off chance it might deserve a bit more TLC than it's getting now though (minimum annual cleaning and wipedown, humidity-controlled storage), I'd like to confirm a bit of its history if any of you know some reputable 1903A3 resource cites.
Thanks in advance.
The references I've found so far regarding serial numbers place the reciever as being manufactured by Remington in 1942. However, there's an "R.A" stamped on the top of the barrel just behind the front sight, with an ordnance corps "bursting shell" below it, and then a "9-43" stamped below that. The stock itself might have been lightly refinished at some point (that, or the markings were worn smooth). Nonetheless, there appear to be some geometric shapes pressed into the wood just forward of the floorplate, and then a circle with possibly a letter inside it just behind the trigger guard. On the left-hand side, between the trigger and the receiver, is an "RA", followed by a faint Ordnance crest, and then what appear to be the letters "FJA" that might once have been enclosed in a box, though now just the two ends are visible.
I picked this rifle up for $150 in 1993. I'm assuming that it's a collection of non-original parts or I'd probably have had to pay a lot more for it, judging by what I've seen on GB lately.
On the off chance it might deserve a bit more TLC than it's getting now though (minimum annual cleaning and wipedown, humidity-controlled storage), I'd like to confirm a bit of its history if any of you know some reputable 1903A3 resource cites.
Thanks in advance.
