Model 1903-A3 US rifle by Remington…………..( f 468) SOLD

A very good example of the American Second World War Reminton Model 1903-A3 Service Rifle

Chambered in .30-06 govt cartridge with a five shot internal magazine which can be stripper-clip fed from above.  This version of the 1903 was produced from December 1942 onwards, as an expedient of war.  Remington had redesigned the whole rifle with the main brief being a reduction in time to make and cost to build.  The results are really pretty respectable if one compares it against other nations attempts at “erstatz” versions.  With that in mind, these rifles will still pull off very respectable results on the range even though they were designed for one thing in mind – the projection of death from point A to point B.  The sights are uncomplicated, and the rifling seriously uncluttered with things like grooves, there being only two in this barrel.

Even though the stock shows numerous inspectors stampings, the fates have been good enough not to re-parkerize the action.  All visible finishes appear to be original and pleasingly mixed.  This is correct as certain components may have been made off-site and brought in to Remington for final assembly; different plants finished with different finishes.  The overall finish is of parkerised grey, but there are certain items which contrast with that matt finish and are blued and still have some degree of shine to their surface.  The slightly swept bolt handle has a degree of polished patina to it from the wear of the hands that have used it.  The nose cap is also blued and has not suffered too badly from the negative effects of too much handling. The portion of the barrel, muzzle and fore-sight which protude from the front band are positively matt in comparrison.

The action and bolt both show strong signs of wear from use on the high points and contact points, which is reassuring.  The receiver is a strong dark parkerized grey and is clearly marked with the normal details; ” U.S.  / REMINGTON  /  MODEL 03-A3  /  3349539 ”  This serial number places production of the receiver between December ’42 and the end of January ’43.  This makes it a very early A3.  The rifle is 43.1/4″ long. The barrel is 24″ long and the trigger pull12.3/4″ in length.

It is then more interesting to see that the date on the barrel is almost one year later.  This may mean that this early A3 has been rebarrelled at a later date.  Imagine a new A3 which goes straight into theatre and within a year the barrel either gets damaged or actually shot out!  Somehow it becomes unserviceable and gets replaced.  This could be backed up by the copious stampings on the LHS of the stock.  There seem to be five seperate stampings: the original factory marks of the “crossed cannons”and a boxed “FJA”, then very clearly a seperate “RA-P” alongside the action.  Beneath the cut-off cut out, another “RA-P” but larger and just “RA”.  The “RA-P” is the mark for the Raritan Arsenal which worked mainly on rebuilds, which could be where the rifle obtained its later barrel.

The stock is in good original looking condition with signs of very light service wear.  On the underside of the fore end, just ahead of the magazine base are the factory inspectors build marks and additionally a larger “B 3” which could be a rack number.  The usual final proof circled “P” is behind the trigger guard. Half way between the trigger guard and the rear sling swivel is a single un-boxed “P”.  This is a double cross-bolt stock still utilising the early screw fittings.  The stock is a very straight grained piece of American black walnut in excellent condition with no bad dents or split damage.

The rear sights are the simple sliding apperture type, equipped with a windage screw on the RHS which still functions with a positive click for each quarter turn. Pressed steel fittings all over apart from the rear sling swivel and the plain steel butt-plate.  On inspection it is thought that this plain steel butt-plate is correct as a Remington part, as they did manufacture such a component early on.  Most components show the correct amount of wear and nearly all are stamped with a visible “R” for Remington.  The Mauser type bolt has a flag-safety to the rear marked, “READY” and “SAFE”.  The magazine cut-off is clearly marked “ON” and “OFF” with a clear “R” on the off side.  Gas escape hole to LHS of receiver.  Spotlessly clean bore with two groove rifling.

Altogether a very good standard 1903-A3 Remington in fine condition with a good bore, freshly London proofed and ready to use.

Stock No’  f 468

£ 1100.oo   SOLD

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