U.S. Model 1903 “Modified” by Remington……………(f 515) SOLD
Created on January 29th 2019
An interesting Remington 1903 Modified U.S. Service Rifle
Owning a Model 1903 Modified is a very good way of apparently shooting a World War One looking rifle on the ranges, while actually, benefiting from improvements made by the time of World War Two. To the uninitiated, these small hump-back Mauser type rifles look exactly like their earlier contemporaries – the Model 1903 Springfield. It would only become apparent that the rifle in hand was another 24 years younger, with the correct knowledge and closer inspection.
The “modified” was produced by Remington in the early war years, as a stop-gap while the likes of Springfield etc, sorted themselves out with the early semi-automatic rifles. The term modified actually refers to the omission of certain features from the earlier rifles as a war time expediency. Certain refinements from the earlier rifles were dropped like the finger grooves in the stock fore-end. The rear sight mounting collar lost some of the more delicate machining operations, the unit was left a circular blank.
This example has the serial number roll stamped into the receiver ring with other details, as follows; “U.S. / REMINGTON / MODEL 1903 / 3233785.” Bolts are not numbered, but they are stamped with the single letter of the manufacturer – in this case “R” for Remington. Finish is often mixed on the 1903 and the Remington is no exception. Mixed finished of blueing and parkerisation are acceptable for collectible rifles. All tell a story; a rifle that appears to be completely parkerised in olive green indicates a refinish. Stocks also bear witness to the type of life these sturdy rifles have experienced. No one can, with any certainty, declare that the mix of any particular parts or finishes are therefore wrong, but sometimes, something comes up that is unusual and, can not be fully explained by the standard impression of what has happened to them. This rifle for instance, is fitted with a Springfield barrel yet, dated for the second world war. The markings behind the front sight ramp, on the top of the barrel read; ” S. A. / flaming bomb motif / 11 – 42.” It doesn’t mean that it is, as some well informed like to pronounce loudly “Wrong!” To me it means, that this barrel was fitted at a later date after the original was damaged. The serial number on the receiver puts production in September 1942. The barrels are also roll marked and this is done before hardening. Springfield did not make any 1903’s in the second world war but, they must have made spare barrels.
The 1903 is chambered in .30-06 with a Mauser type bolt action. It is built with a 5-shot internal magazine, which will charge from a clip. It is possible, by application of a switch, situated on the rear LHS of the action to select either, repeat fire or single shot use. The bolt is equipped with a flag-type safety at the rear. The Modified still retains the rather over complicated rear sight of the early 1903 Springfield. Only the young with sharp eye-sight should attempt serious use of them. They are graduated to 2700 yards plus but, have multiple aim points, both aperture and open.
The LHS of the wrist is marked with final inspectors initials; “F.J.A.” This was Frank James Attwood, chief weapons inspector during the period of production. It is also just possible to see the crossed cannons cartouche of the Ordnance Department, right beside it. The American black walnut stock has the double cross bolts under the action, which were replaced on later stocks, by hardened pins.
The straight grip stock is fitted with the early plain steel butt-plate with a cleaning trap. Within the trap is an early metal 1903 cleaning bottle. On the underside of the wrist, behind the trigger guard is an un-boxed “P” final proof stamp and some other unknown markings, which were surely put there purposely. The marking resembles four small circles, arranged in a rectangular pattern. Just in front of the floorplate surround fitting, is the most serious occurrence of stock damage. A deep chip, but one which will get no worse than it is now. It looks to have been there a very long time. The stock fittings are still the old type steel milled items. The for-end cap incorporates a bayonet lug and an open stacking hook. The stock is fitted with two sling swivels which are carrying an original period leather and brass sling in very good condition.
The rifle has a good bore with one annoying patch of pitting. This irritation presents itself on inspection at the six o’clock position a couple of inches from the chamber – the rest of the bore looks to the eye, perfect. It has strong rifling and is very clean. How this has managed to occur is anybody’s guess!
A fine period piece often used by forces such as the Marines and also rear guard troops, well into the war.
Stock No’ f 515
£ 1125. (Sold)
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