Remington/Springfield question 03-A?

BlueTic

May 12, 2002 07:54

Remington made some of Springfields 03-A1's. Did they make any other models such as 03-A3? I picked up a sporterized (thumbhole stock) with a 20" octagonal barrel and the scope base was placed over the model # where the foreward hole obliterated the number after "A" so all I see is 03-A. It is a springfield bolt with the side toggle for the bolt release (not Mauser). How else can I identify? It has a 3x9 scope on it by Realist USA Camputer. The bolt handle is flat on both sides. It has been rechambered or rebarrelled to 300 Win - I have heard that the Springfield actions had some problems with this but the P17s did not. Does anybody know of the problems to check for? I do plan on taking it to a smith but any info you have would be appreciated. Serial # 4133XXX engraved floorplate withe Stag game scene....

IF YOU DON'T LIKE MY RIGHTS - GET OUT OF MY COUNTRY (this includes politicians)

0

• 

  nmyers

  May 12, 2002 12:45

  It sounds like you may have a Remington 1903A3. The 1903A1 has a small elliptical hole in the left side of the receiver. There were problems with the early 1903 rifle (brittle receivers), but none with the 1903A3.
  
  I'm not sure of the wisdom of converting this rifle to .300 WIN; I'm glad to hear that you plan to have a 'smith inspect it.
  
  Neal

  0
• 

  aby80

  May 12, 2002 12:57

  After WW2 Norma developed the .308 Norma Magnum for the purpose of converting 03A3 surplus rifles to that caliber. They even furnished a lot of gunsmiths with chamber reamers to convert these 30-06 rifles to .308 Norma Magnum. This caliber is in the same pressure range as the .300 Winchester cartridge. I don't remember hearing of any of these rifles that had been rechambered having any problem handling the .308 Norma Cartridge.

  0
• 

  v35

  May 12, 2002 13:53

  From your s/n you have the stronger A-3. This model can also be identified by the dovetail feature on the rear receiver ring on which the Army rear peep sight was mounted and to which the Redfield Jr.scope mount was keyed to on the A-4. The A-1 had a barrel mounted ladder sight. While Remington also made them, your s/n is out of the range of the A-4 series. You may have an A-4 bolt since these were on the surplus market for years.
  These were very strong actions.

  0

Please sign in to leave a comment.