+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 5 of 5

Thread: S/N On Multiple 1903-A3 Parts?

Click here to increase the font size Click here to reduce the font size
  1. #1
    FREE MEMBER
    NO Posting or PM's Allowed
    Laruik's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Last On
    03-01-2017 @ 04:02 PM
    Location
    Indiana
    Posts
    4
    Local Date
    10-31-2024
    Local Time
    06:18 PM

    S/N On Multiple 1903-A3 Parts?

    Hey guys, first post here so let me know if I'm doing anything wrong.

    I just got into WWI-II era milsurps after finally buying my first Garandicon from the CMPicon, and I'm looking to pick up a 1903 of some kind. I reached out to a seller the other night for a late Remington 1903-A3. He describes it as excellent condition and says it looks to be an arsenal rework. This is fine by me as I'm mostly looking for a shooter and merely being all USGI is historic enough to make me feel all warm inside. Anything beyond that is just bonus.

    The red flag to me was that he said many of the parts have the last 4 of the serial number on them, so whoever did the rework seems to have kept all the original parts together. I've heard of the S/N on multiple parts practice done on European rifles like Swissicon rifles, but I've never heard of this being done on U.S. rifles besides National Match rifles. Since this is a late Remington '03-A3, I don't think that this is a NM rifle, but I know very little on the subject and could very easily be wrong.

    Like I said, being "correct" and collector value aren't top priorities for me since I will mostly use this is a shooter with bonus historical value. However, I am concerned about fake components. I don't think the seller is purposefully trying to deceive me as he seems sincere, but he has admitted he is no expert on these rifles either. He is planning on sending pictures as well when time permits.

    Any help on this or any other advice for a first time buyer would be appreciated and thanks for your time!
    Information
    Warning: This is a relatively older thread
    This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

  2. # ADS
    Friends and Sponsors
    Join Date
    October 2006
    Location
    Milsurps.Com
    Posts
    All Threads
    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

  3. #2
    Advisory Panel
    Rick the Librarian's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Last On
    04-09-2023 @ 08:59 PM
    Location
    NW Washington State
    Age
    75
    Posts
    2,301
    Real Name
    Rick Slater
    Local Date
    10-31-2024
    Local Time
    04:18 PM
    It could be a so-call "Greek" M1903A3, which were sold by the CMPicon from about 2002-2005. Most of them had the last four digits of the serial number etched on the top of the bolt handle and the last four digits stamped on the butt of the stock. These didn't always match the actual serial number because parts were often switched at CMP. There should be no other parts with the serial number (whole or in part).
    People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.

    --George Orwell

  4. Avoid Ads - Become a Contributing Member - Click HERE
  5. #3
    FREE MEMBER
    NO Posting or PM's Allowed
    Laruik's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Last On
    03-01-2017 @ 04:02 PM
    Location
    Indiana
    Posts
    4
    Local Date
    10-31-2024
    Local Time
    06:18 PM
    Thread Starter
    Quote Originally Posted by Rick the Librarianicon View Post
    It could be a so-call "Greek" M1903A3, which were sold by the CMPicon from about 2002-2005.
    Interesting, thanks for the info. I've read about how the Greek returns of M1icon Garands were very disliked by many over at the CMP forums for their reparkerization jobs . Do the Greek 1903A3 returns share this stigma or have any other features about them that might increase/decrease their value or function?

  6. #4
    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Last On
    Today @ 06:59 PM
    Location
    Victoria BC
    Posts
    30,402
    Real Name
    Jim
    Local Date
    10-31-2024
    Local Time
    04:18 PM
    I don't think it really decreases value. That would only be if you thought it did. An original or near perfect example won't have this sort of thing but a rebuild will. You'd be paying prices accompanying a rebuild status. Doesn't matter who did it.
    Regards, Jim

  7. #5
    FREE MEMBER
    NO Posting or PM's Allowed
    Laruik's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Last On
    03-01-2017 @ 04:02 PM
    Location
    Indiana
    Posts
    4
    Local Date
    10-31-2024
    Local Time
    06:18 PM
    Thread Starter
    Alright, thanks for the input guys, much appreciated! I received some pictures from the seller so I will probably throw together a thread and put it up in the Appraisals section and see what everyone thinks.

+ Reply to Thread

Similar Threads

  1. Some SA 1903 parts
    By RCS in forum M1903/1903A3/A4 Springfield Rifle
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 03-28-2011, 02:49 PM
  2. 1ST 1903 A3 and need parts.
    By Stone7Romeo in forum M1903/1903A3/A4 Springfield Rifle
    Replies: 14
    Last Post: 02-19-2011, 11:23 AM
  3. Where to get 1903 milled parts? trade 1903A3 parts
    By 6mmintl in forum M1903/1903A3/A4 Springfield Rifle
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 02-12-2011, 10:31 AM
  4. 1903 Parts ID
    By P-07ShortLee in forum M1903/1903A3/A4 Springfield Rifle
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 11-23-2010, 08:44 PM
  5. Help 1903 Parts ID
    By pcaru1 in forum M1903/1903A3/A4 Springfield Rifle
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 11-15-2010, 01:11 AM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts