WWII 1903-A3 Service Rifle by Remington…..SOLD

Remington 1903-A3 Bolt Action Service Rifle

This is the standard 1903-A3 that replaced Remington’s “1903 Modified”  in 1943.  Modifications were made to enable quicker, cheaper production, of Americas last main line bolt action army service rifle.  A simplified stock was produced and many of the furniture parts for the stock, were produced from pressed steel components – as opposed to the cast and machined parts of the earlier rifles.

This ’03 rifle is marked on the receiver as follows; ” U.S. / REMINGTON / MODEL 03-A3 / 3461282″   The serial number indicates initial production of the rifle in late February 1943.  If one then reads the barrel dates behind the front sight ramp it shows that the barrel is original to the action, as it is marked ” R.A. / flaming bomb / 2 – 43″.  The rifle is 43.1/2″ in length, with a barrel of 25.5/8″.  The trigger pull length is approximately 13″.  Chambered in .30-06 with a 5-shot internal magazine.  The ’03  rifle can be fed by stripper clip through a groove in the front of the rear action bridge.

Also mounted on the rear action bridge are the simplified aperture sights.  They consist of a sliding aperture which moves on a ramp graduated from 200 to 800 yards.  By that time warfare had changed from the static situation of the First world War into a more fluid, faster moving  conflict.  The support of heavy weapons within each section or unit had also led the designers to drop the need for really long range sights for the rifleman.  Combat shots were taken at much closer ranges and engagements occurred that much faster, that the ability to take a snap shot became far more important, hence the simple aperture sight.  However, the need for windage adjustment was still catered for, in that the whole ramp could be adjusted from side to side by a simple turn screw.  The back of the sight is graduated, with a zero point which could easily be returned to.  The front sight is a simple blade type, of which different heights were available.

The whole of the action and bolt are re-parkerized.  This is the work of the arsenal which overhauled the rifle, the cartouche of which has been marked into the side of the butt-stock.  The simple “O.G”. mark represents the Ogden Arsenal.  The LHS of the wrist is marked with the Ordinance  Crossed Cannon mark.   Also “R.A.” for Remington Arms and the boxed initials “F.J.A.” of Frank James Attwood the Chief  Inspector of Arms during that period.  The rest of the stock is fine with few, if any dents or dings, as is the handguard.  The stock has two cross bolts.  Behind the trigger guard is the single “P” in a circle – the final proof mark.   Just in front of the trigger guard are approximately four sub- inspectors marks that were put on during production.

The fittings used on the rest of the rifle are as mentioned earlier of the stamped and pressed steel type.  The front band /nose cap which includes the bayonet lug.  The mid band and front sling swivel and stacking hook, and the trigger guard, incorporating the base of the magazine are all pressed steel.  Most of them are also marked with the simple “R” mark for Remington manufacture.  The pressed steel, checkered butt-plate including trap for cleaning equipment is in original grey parkerized finish and looks to be a new contemporary replacement.

This fine example of the famous 03-A3 rifle cycles well and has an excellent almost unused four groove bore with no blemishes.  the 03-A3 is fitted with a magazine cut-of device which also double as the bolt release catch, the rear of the action.  The bolt has the conventional flag safety system as does its distant cousin the Mauser.

Once again a 1903 which has been given a new lease of life which is just begging to get out onto the range again and be put through its paces.

Stock No’ f 392

£1175……SOLD

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