M1903A3 Data Sheets

I purchased a Remington M1903A3 a few years ago, rebuilt post-war at Rock Island Arsenal. It has the usual mix of parts, many were ‘R’ marked, but were they original to the rifle, unknown. Finally, curiosity overcame good sense and I decided to try to determine what parts may be original (or at least appear to be original) for an 03A3 up through around mid-1943. Some parts were obvious, unmarked, likely Smith Corona or contractor replacement parts for rebuilds. I then started to look at Remington 03A3’s and take notes in the form of an informal survey, noting the finish and configuration of the parts, stock markings, etc. to identify trends. After looking at dozens of Remington 03A3’s, (I realize a very small sample) and plotting the results on a Windows Access spreadsheet the data was at best inconclusive. I searched online, including Milsurps for 03A3 data sheets or serial number surveys or similar and came up empty except for some serial number a barrel date lists. One should never spend time to create something thought to be original if it’s already been done, so not finding anything relevant to my quest, and using the “Serial Number and Data Sheets” format created by Scott Duff for the M1 Garand, I read the ordnance manuals for the 03A3’s to determine major parts groups and subgroups and developed the data sheet, a draft of which is shown below. I attempted to attach the sheet, but that did not work out. Feedback would be welcome, or, even better, return of completed sheets from those of you who may have original 03A3 examples (Remington and Smith Corona) in your collection. At this point I do not have plans to publish the data, but if I am able to generate sufficient interest and garner a fairly large response, I would certainly consider that or assist someone in that effort.

I can email copies of the sheet for anyone to print and use.

If someone has already done this, please let me know where I can access that information. Thanks!
Lewis Russell

U.S. Rifle, M1903A3 Data Sheet

SERIAL NUMBER:
MANUFACTURER:

BARREL
Barrel Date:
Barrel Marking – Top:
Barrel Marking – Bottom:

RECEIVER
Finish:
Cutoff:
Ejector:
Handguard Ring:

BOLT
Body:
Handle:
Extractor:
Extractor Collar:
Cocking Piece:
Bolt Sleeve:
Safety Lock Assy:
Striker:
Firing Pin Sleeve:

MAGAZINE and TRIGGER GROUP
Sear:
Trigger:
Guard:
Magazine:
Follower:
Spring:

BANDS
Lower:
Bayonet Stud:
Stacking Swivel:

SIGHTS
Front Base:
Front Blade:
Cover:
Rear:

STOCK
Type:
Ordnance Stamp(s):
Inspection / Assembly Stamps (front of TG):
Bolts or Pins:
Handguard:
Butt Plate:
Rear Sling Swivel: