New to 1903A3

[Sinner]

Hi Everyone! I just acquired my first 1903A3 Remington at a recent gun show. A guy traded me for my Charles Daly 1911 stainless .45. I don't know anything about these but a exhibitor at the show said it was correct, all remington original with an arsenal rebuild and worth $650-$800. I'd sure like to find an original sling, cleaning kit and eventually a bayonet/scabbard. Is there any way to tell if this is the original or a replacement barrel? Can anyone direct me as to what to look for in a period correct sling? I'd sure appreciate any other input!
Thanks!!

Information

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[marysdad]

Welcome aboard!

Nice rifle! The following site has tons of info on the M1903 and M1903A3: http://www.vishooter.net/m1903.html Based on the serial number, I'd say your barrel is probably the original tube. I'm thinking that either the leather M1907 sling, with steel hooks; or the green web sling with the flat buckle would be period correct for your rifle.

[Rick the Librarian]

The handguard ring looks like it is has either been modified or it was taken off a Remington M1917, from 25 years before.

[Sinner]

The handguard ring looks like it is has either been modified or it was taken off a Remington M1917, from 25 years before.

thanks for the info Rick. would that greatly reduce the value? could that have been done during an arsenal rebuild?

[Rick the Librarian]

Just substitute a M1903A3 handguard ring - should be a pretty easy (and cheap) fix.

[Emri]

If you traded a Chas Daly 1911 for that rifle you did real good !! I hope you left the show before the other trader realized his mistake !

[Chuckindenver]

nice rifle, handguard ring is from a P14.
and likely has been cut down to fit the ring.

[rich v]

what a great trade for you; wish i could find trades like this at the gun shows i attend > congrats to you...