Model 1903 “modified” US WWII Service Rifle…(f 696) SOLD

Remington M1903 Modified” US Service Rifle

A correctly built, surviving example of the Model 1903 built by Remington.  The rifle gained the nom-culture of “modified,” this actually referred to all the operations that were dropped from the manufacturing process as war expedient measures.  Remington had been handed the batten in a strange way in that they had ended up with the majority of Springfield’s production equipment.  One theory that is sculling around is that the machinery was on its way to the UK for the development of a .303 version of the rifle. Great Britain was trying to make a decision over which way it was going with a main rifle for its forces.  Negotiations and decisions got shelved and as Springfield had gone ahead with production of more advanced weapons, Remington obliged the US government and restarted production.

They had already realised that the original was far too intricate and expensive to carry on producing in the same manner.  The outcome was the Modified version of the 1903.  Modified in that it some of the over complicated procedures were dropped or changed.  The rifle was still chambered in the US government choice of .30-06, with a 5-round internal magazine.  Still basically a Mauser by any other name.  Still bolt action with a bent bolt handle and a flag safety system on the rear of the bolt shroud.  The changes were more subtle than obvious.

Firstly it is easy to see with this rifle that it is fitted into a “scant-grip” stock.  This is an early one as it still has the more intricate cross-bolt system to strengthen the stock and not the plain pins.  The butt is fitted with an early steel checkered butt-plate with a trap for cleaning equipment.  The stock is made from straight-grained American black walnut and is stamped within the dished cut-out for the magazine/bolt relief catch with “S.”  This is the manufactures code applied to replacement stocks from Springfield.  The LHS of the wrist also carries two other cartouches.  The first and most obvious is the “RA-P” (unboxed)  This is the mark for the Raritan Arsenal who rebuilt rifles after the war.  They were obviously not bothered if they put a Springfield stock on a Remington rifle – the stocks were made so they would be interchangeable.  The second mark is boxed and reads, “3 GM-K”  This is usually another inspectors initial but, as of this moment that set of initials is not listed ?  The stock is in good condition as is the handguard just with minor dings and dents and an even matt patina.

The balance of the stock furniture is the correct milled type apart from one item, the stacking hook, which is a later stamped part. The receiver bears the main markings and reads as follows; ” U.S. / REMINGTON / MODEL 1903 / 3301413″.  The barrel carries more pertinent information just behind the fore-sight block; “R. A. / flaming bomb motif / 11 – 42.”  The fact that the motif is center stamped means that the rifle has undergone armoury re-build work.  Also the serial number indicates production in November 1942, this aligns with the barrel date, meaning this barrel is original to the rifle.

The rear sight collar is the correct plain type, where Remington have omitted to apply the lightening cut as with all the modified rifles.  The rear sight correctly does not have the final aiming notch of 2850 yards.  Many of the ancillaries are marked with a simple “R” stamp for Remington.  The bolt is finished in lack whereas the balance of the rifle is in the main a dark grey parkerised finish.  The rifle cycles well and the bore is a good clear and bright 4-groove item.  A good way of shooting the 1903 rifle with the added advantage of a much younger barrel than a WWI rifle.

Ask for f 696

£ 1250.  Sold

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