Remington built 03-A3 U.S. service rifle ……………… (F 1166)

Very Good Remington 03-A3 Bolt action Service Rifle for WW2

An extremely clean and original example of the last of the US Bolt Action Service Rifles issued by the US Army to its troops in World War Two.  Chambered in the .30-06 government round, with a 5-shot internal staggered magazine and a Mauser bolt system.  Grey / green parkerised finish to the majority of the rifle.  The parkerised finish was a fabulous choice for the protection of the rifles as it has proved so effective in the long run.  It is very rare to find a corroded example that was originally treated in this way – this is no exception.  Condition is excellent.  These rifles naturally fall into the category of “used or military surplus” but, out of all the nations weapons I have handled, these are always in a consistently better state.  The US Army / government do treat their weapons in a different way when they reach the end of their service life.  They actually sent them through the Arsenal for a final refit / inspection and then they were released through the Civilian Marksmanship program and had to be in good condition for that purpose.  This is the main reason why it is possible to pick them up in such good condition.  It is very rare to find anything to fault on them. The logic was they had to be in tip-top shoot-able condition so they could maintain a good standard of rifle shooting amongst the general population should they need to lead them all to war again in a hurry – so no good issuing them with a load of rubbish.   Other countries however, often ended up with already used and battered stock which they had to make do with. By the time they are finished with their cast-off Enfields’ or Mausers they were usually in a pretty sorry state, with the exception of some of the North European countries.  Also, feedback from many happy customers is starting to strongly indicate these simple, sturdy rifles are capable of a high degree of accuracy even for the average joe!

The next thing to consider in the history or the facts about what you are actually purchasing here, is that this rifle was in truth an attempt to cut corners and produce the weapon, quicker, faster and at less expense to the nation.  Usually this marks a down-turn in quality or reliability.  This is the only rifle I know of where these measures actually resulted in a better weapon.  There was no detraction from its current day usability as a result of the changes that were put into place.  Even the reduction from 4 grove to two grove in the bore makes no difference to us as target shooters these days. The theory at the time was based on feed back from the field that a kill shot would realistically only be sent from much closer ranges, and a two grove bore was adequet.  The rifles are still easily able to do what we ask of them on the ranges.  The other parts originally milled and cast were exchanged for stamped and rolled sheet metal parts as the technology to produce in this fasion developed.  They also functioned perfectly well and were in no way lacking.  In changing the sighting arrangements they made it instantly easier to use, and improved the geometry of the set up.  It just so happens that an aperture sight is easier to use for older eyes!  Altogether, these make a fantastic addition to the military rifle collectors gun cabinet – a must have!

The receiver ring on this weapon is marked as follows: “U.S. / REMINGTON/MODEL 03-A3 / 4118758”  Serial number indicates receiver production in November 1943.  The barrel is marked just behind the front sight as follows; “R.A. / flaming bomb motif / 11 – 43″ to back up this fact. Adjustable sliding aperture rear sight graduated from 2 to 800 yards with windage adjustment to the RHS. Windage zeroing scale on rear of sight. Three position Mauser flag safety with bent down bolt handle.  “R” for Remington marked bolt components.   Large gas escape hole on LHS of receiver.

Bolt release and magazine restriction catch to rear LHS of action.  Twin bolt Black American Walnut stock and one piece hand-guard over barrel.  Straight wrist stock,  markings upon the wrist indicates show the “R.A.” and unboxed “FJA.”  Lt. Frank James Atwood was chief weapons inspector at Remington at the time.  On the underside of the same are the final proof marks which consist of unboxed plain “P” from the Arsenal rebuild. Also, situated directly infront of the cut-out for the magazine assembly are four very clear factory inspection marks . On the LHS of the butt-stock are two more very clear stampings, almost centrally placed is a boxed “O.G.” for Ogden Arsenal, Utah.  Towards and parallel with the butt-plate is a slightly larger marking “S.S.” – meaning currently unknown.  (There was a Samuel. O. Spangler at Rock Island back in 1919 but it is my contention that it has nothing to do with him.)  It is more likely to be a unit or rack marking. Correct almost mint cross-hatched steel butt-plate with trap for storage of cleaning equipment.  Many “R” marked parts.  Even dark green parkerized finish over all parts. Very clean two-grove bore no pitting, action mechanically fine.  BNP proofed to CIP standards.

Stock No F 1166 – FAC Required

£ 1650.

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