CMP 1903a3 ?'s

[Traveler]

this is a Greek return from a few years back when they were last in stock in any kind of quantity. I've dated the Rem 4.03mil to Nov. 1943 production, it has a RA 9/43 bbl date with flaming bomb w/punch.

Does the RA on the bbl mean Rem. Arms or RIA rebuild? it looks like it was reparked and put away, the metal is like new, all 'R' marked save for front sight blade marked 'A'. Did this go thru a rebuild at RIA, receive the bbl stamp, or do I have this wrong--went thru rebuild but the RA is for Rem Arms?

What does the 'A' on the front sight blade indicate, manuf. or size?

I saved the original straight stock and put on a CMP C stock, it appears to have a 4 groove bbl, I see rifling at 12/3/6/9 o'clock, MW is just under 2, no gauge for TE but bore looks very good.

What is the torque spec for the action screws and is it recommended to loctite ?

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.

[Chuckindenver]

30 to 35 inch pounds...no loc tite.. A is the hight of the front sight, highest available.

[Traveler]

thank you sir.

[Rick the Librarian]

The RA on the barrel is "Remington Arms". Rock island, except for some M1917 barrels made during WWII, did not manufacture barrels after 1922.

[Traveler]

thanks a bunch fellas.

Looks like I might have an original bbl/rcvr on my Greek return possibly, this rifle saw alot of locker time.

[Phil McGrath]

The RA on the barrel is "Remington Arms". Rock island, except for some M1917 barrels made during WWII, did not manufacture barrels after 1922.

Sorry Rick, RIA did made a barrel after 1922, SA closed in Apr 68 and sent there machinery there for storage, I suspect that machinery was used too make barrel RIA #11686320 SPL 6/69 M118. that barrel is for 7.62mm M1 rifles that the Air Force used in AFPG NM M1 rifles.

How do you explain a new USGI 7.62mm M1 barrel after SA closed?

[Rick the Librarian]

Obviously an "exception to the rule"! However, they certainly didn't make any M1903 barrels after 1922.