1903 barrel?

[Calfed]

I'm conversing with a fellow who is selling what he calls a "1903 barrel". These are the pictures:



It looks like an 03A3 barrel, but I'm not sure.

Price is good if it is an 03 barrel, so-so for a 03A3 barrel

Can anyone tell off the bat if this is an 03 or 03A3 barrel, either based on the front sight or the date (9-43)?

Anyone know when RA started turning out 2 groove replacement barrels? Based on the date, and assuming this is an 03A3 barrel is this likely a 2 groove, 4 groove or is it just anyone's guess?

Thanks

Information

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[Chuckindenver]

yup. A3 barrel

[Calfed]

Any way of knowing if this is a 2 groove or 4 groove, based on the date, Chuck?

It is not a bad price if it is a 4 groove.

Thanks

[Calif-Steve]

A3 barrel. You must clean out the muzzle to see the 2/4 groove question.

[Rick the Librarian]

I would want to say it is probably a 2-groove, but I think you'll have to have the seller clean it out and look, as Calif-Steve suggested.

[Calfed]

I thought about asking the guy to do that very thing, but figured if he thinks it is a 1903 barrel, what are the chances of getting a correct identification as to the 2 groove/4 groove issue?

At any rate, I am in recent possession of a still-in-the-wrap 03A3 barrel and was really interested in a 1903 barrel to go with it. The search continues...

[Chuckindenver]

its a 50/50 toss up with a 9-43...you would have to look down the pipe to see.
or with a pen, run it inside the muzzle and count them.

[Calfed]

Is there a certain date after which all of the Remington Arms replacement barrels were two groove? Any date prior to which all were 4 groove?

Thanks

[Cosine26]

To check for rifling, just take a bullet only and tap it into the muzzle. Remove it and it will be obvious as to whether it is two groove or four groove.
Hope this helps.

[Chuckindenver]

pre 6-43 barrels are more likely to be 4 groove...iv seen a few 9-43 and 12-43 4 groove barrels.