Info on the Remington 1903-A3 bolt actions?
Hey people, I'm striking out with the "search" function. I thought there would be some discussion about these rifles already in the forums, but I'm not having any luck finding anything.
So... anyone have any sources or information on the Remington 1903-A3 bolt action 30-06s? I came across a sporterized one that has 11-43 near the muzzle and the serial number starts with 415XXXX. Can anyone help me out or point me to a website or somethin'?
Thanks!
Big Al
So... anyone have any sources or information on the Remington 1903-A3 bolt action 30-06s? I came across a sporterized one that has 11-43 near the muzzle and the serial number starts with 415XXXX. Can anyone help me out or point me to a website or somethin'?
Thanks!
Big Al
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Hello you might want to go to this firearm forum they have it broken down to each type http.//pub176.ezboard.com/bcurioand relicfirearmsforum 0 -
The Springfield forum at Jouster has a lot of knowledgeable folks.
http://www.jouster.com/cgi-bin/03/03config.pl?
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I have an old one of these as well - end of the barrel says 9-43. Not to be ignorant, but were these rifles specifically manufactured in 30-06 caliber only - no .308 designations? Is there any simple way to tell if the stock is original to the receiver/barrel? By just the little bit I've read, I'm thinking not. 0 -
http://www.odcmp.org/new_forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=17
Frog.
RiBBButt...You can't rollerskate in a buffalo herd, but you can be happy if you've a mind to. -Roger Miller0 -
At the end of WWII the arms industry in the US had not produced hunting rifles for a number of years, due to work on the war effort. Johnny came marching home and wanted to go hunting. His choices in new rifles was very limited, but a lot of foreign war trophies were around and cheap. Very soon, the '03 family of rifles, all in 30-06 and others like the US Model of 1917, were surplussed by Uncle Sam. Thousands of these now valuable military pieces were cut-down to make light weight deer rifles. Following WWII, only a few '03 rifles were kept in inventory as sniper rifles. The balance went to "allies" or surplussed for sale to the public. In the 1960s, an '03 could be bought from the DCM for $14.50, right out of the Arsenals. Your "11-43" barrel is not necessarily the original barrel, but it could be. Near the date should be the maker. "RA" would be Remington. Capital "R" is stamped on many small parts. Smith Corona also made M'03A3 rifles.
roysclockgun0 -
These rifles were manufactured in .30-06. 7.62mm NATO hadn't yet been developed. Actually, NATO hadn't been developed.
Original stocks will usually have an arsenal cartouche, typically FJA & the Ordinance crossed cannons seal. Remingtons will usually have an RA stamp. All should have a firing proof P on the grip.
Rebuilt & replacement stocks will have other arsenal stamps, plus a firing proof P.
It is usually not possible or economically feasible to restore a sporterized rifle.
Neal0 -
The problem with discussions on 1903 and 1903A3 rifles is the old argument between "purists" and "non-purists" collectors. The purists say that anything not found on the rifle on its production date removes it from the "collector" status and non-purists say that if it was re-arsenaled by government contract that it is still original but at a slightly reduced value. I don't really have a problem with either argument as long as the truth is told in both descriptions. The only problem I have is when you see someone advertise one for sale as original and it has an after market stock or "custom" work done on it. That is just plain lying about a product for profit. I would suggest that you get a copy of the NRA booklet on the 1903 rifle and study it first and then if you intend to become a collector, buy a copy of Brophy's 1903 book. There are other books for the collector but these are among the best as far as I am concerned. I guess what I am trying to say is if you are serious about getting into the 1903/1903A3 collecting business, please do your homework before buying. If not you are a lamb among the wolves. Don't get me wrong, the vast majority of collectors that I know are honest and very jealous of their reputations, but I have run across a few that are willing to tell half-truths and outright lies to dump a bad investment. 0 -
Look here....http://forums.gunbroker.com/search.asp?mode=DoIt
PJ
If nobody seen you do it, how could you have done it. NRA BENEFACTOR-LIFE Member, AF&AM, Shriner Life Member, A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois "Chicago Chapter" Founding Member & Board Member0
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