New to me Remington 03-A3

[Joe W]

The first U.S. Milsurp I owned was a Smith Corona. I purchased the rifle at a sporting goods store in downtown NYC in 1965. At the time I wanted it for shooting in local matches. The rifle was like new from rebuild at Ogden. As I was not a collector at that time I have no idea how close to original it may have been. From a collectors viewpoint I "messed with it". Installed a Lyman rear sight (D&T receiver), added a globe type front sight with changeable apertures and installed a Timmey target trigger. That rifle served me well until I got my 1st M1 Garand sometime in the early 1970's. I had the SC 03-A3 until 1996 when I sold it to a friend.
In any case, I always missed that 03-A3 and recently decided I had to have another. As I only wanted to have one I wanted a nice example. I bought the one pictured on G.B. and it arrived a few days ago. Serial # 4180906 with a RA 11-43 barrel. Jan. 1944 production according to the Remington Society of America web site. I spent top dollar and then some for the rifle but it was what I wanted and you only go around once. The few pictures I have posted were from the G.B. page. I have not had the time to take some good pictures and download them. I will shortly but as I know, without pictures, the rifle does not exist, so these will have to do for now.
I do have a few questions. About the only part that I believe is not correct would be the sight cover. I think Remington sight covers always had the "R" mark, even if a sub contractor part. The sight cover on my rifle has what I guess to be a part or stock number on the left side ( C64157-4 ) and on the rt. side a letter G enclosed in a triangle.
Also the stock has the normal small wheel ordnance emblem, the FJA cartouche and the letter RA. I have always thought the RA stamping indicated Remington Arms but I have others say Raritan Arsenal rebuild stamp ???? Also in the sticky there is a post by Harlan from 2-5-10 showing a Remington 03-A3 with what he describes as original and I do not see the RA stamping on his rifle ??

Thanks for any answers to these questions.

Information

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[sakorick]

Your rifle left the factory with a RA(The RA is for Remington arms), Ordnance wheel and FJA cartouches on the left wrist, circle P on the grip. There should be a small R stamped on the front sight, all bands, all rear sight parts, triggerguard, spring, follower, trigger, on off lever, all bolt parts, bolt stop, sling swivels and cubby door on the inside. It should have a Remington buttplate pattern and I am sure I missed some parts. You have a lot of reading to do. Beyond that, about 25 high definition close up pictures would help. Regards, Rick.

[Joe W]

Thanks Rick. So far the "R" marked parts I have found are on the upper band, stacking swivel, upper sling swivel, extractor collar, Bolt sleeve, bolt handle, rear sight. The butt plate is typical Remington though I have not looked for an "R" in that location.
Do you have any idea as to the front sight cover. It has no "R" only what seems to be a part number "C64157-4" on the left side and the letter G within a triangle on the right. I realize this is a contracted part but would Remington have used this part without the "R" mark ??
I have been "reading" about the M1 Garand for about 50 years and don't think I am up to much more reading on the 03-A3.

[sakorick]

Front sight covers were meant to protect the blade during shipping and storage. Once the rifles were issued in the field, the covers were tossed. Only the Marine version was large enough to fit over the 03A3's tall front blade. I believe Remington did make the sight covers and it would have a R stamped on it. IMO, the front sight cover is a nuisance and does not affect the value of the rifle. Regards, Rick.