original 03A3?

[Calfed]

I'm thinking of picking up a Remington 03A3 that at first blush looks original.






I'm a little concerned about a few features and would like some opinions as to its "originality"

-The "FJA"cartouche looks a little flukey with the letter spacing and the "." between the F and the J. It is possible that the "." is just a ding and not a period.

-There seems to be a lot of sub-inspection stamps on the underside of the stock...maybe too many to be legit.

-The upper barrel band seems to be parked, which if I'm correct, may be a replacement rather than an original piece.


Anyone see anything else that would give pause that this is in "original condition"

Thanks

PS...this rifle is in the 35xxxxx s/n range.

Information

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[NRA]

I agree, looks real nice almost too nice. I am waiting to see what others say.

[Garandrew]

Only the very early RA M1903-A3 upper barrel bands were phosphate, this should be blued..

[Calif-Steve]

I would like to see it. BUT, it looks OK from here. BIG question is how much???

[Jake Holman]

Interesting. The FJA does look off. All the one piece stamps I've seen do not have that space.
It doesn't have any cross bolts in the stock so I believe it's a replacement. Someone correct me on that if I'm wrong. The crud in the trigger guard and screw has been there for a while. It doesn't look like it's been apart for a long time. The color of the green reminds me of all the Greek returns that came back through the CMP. I'm not saying it is a return. It is a nice looker, what's the price? If it's shooter priced, I wouldn't let the stamp bother me.
Here is a link to stamps, but these are reproduction stamps.
http://www.trfindley.com/pgsnstmps03.html

[Randy A]

The big question is, what serial number, all of the features I see indicate an early production. Cocking knob, bolt sleeve are early R, so is the stock and I believe it is fine, all markings considered (there were un boxed FJA) and I don't believe that is a period. The sub inspector marks are not out of place and cross pinned stocks were a brief thing in early production. If the earlier statement about the bayonet lugs is true, then serial number dependant,,, it looks aweful close to me.

[Calfed]

3,588x,xxx--early 1943.

[Rick the Librarian]

I have seen more than the usual four subinspection stamps. I believe they denoted that the rifle had to go back for more work before being accepted. Stock pins were used until about mid-1943. I would also expect the upper band to be blued.

[Randy A]

That's a little late, should have diamond pattern cocking knob, radial machine marks in the bolt sleeve and I'm not sure on the dates of the pinned stock, but I suspect it's a later serial number than the stock. Hopefully JB and RTL will check in,,,
Have a happy 4th guys.
Randy

---------- Post added at 07:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:02 PM ----------

Thanks Rick,, I don't remember the time frame on the stocks, when did they start?

[Calfed]

I have seen more than the usual four subinspection stamps. I believe they denoted that the rifle had to go back for more work before being accepted. Stock pins were used until about mid-1943. I would also expect the upper band to be blued.

I described the upper band as looking parked. I think the upper band is actually blue...the bayonet lug looks parked. Not sure that makes a difference. Barrel is dated 4-43. I'm not sure if the "ping" in the flaming bombs means anything.
Attachment 34944


The "P" stamp behind the trigger guard looks right
Attachment 34945