Remington 03A3 History

[bbark]

Recently I acquired a sporterized Remington 03A3 without knowing to much about the rifle, but it seemed like a good deal at, $275. The rifle is flawless, the barrel is not beat up and unlike a lot of sport versions, the original ghost ring sights left on the gun with no drilling or taping for a scope.

After some research on the gun I'm looking at taking the new stock off and bringing it back to it's original glory. But i was hoping that I could find out a little more about the rifle before investing the money to do it right.

If anyone could help me with the history of the gun and let me know if it was possibly used in the war or the story behind these rifles. The serial number on the rifle itself is 34701XXX with 2-43 stamped at the front of the barrel underneath an RA stamp.

The only thing changed on this rifle was the stock, is it worth the investment to change it back and restore the history?

Information

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[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

I will chime in and say IMO the short answer is yes. I believe CMP has some reproduction stocks, Sarco & Numrich have originals and I think Nortridge Int. has NOS stocks.

[bbark]

The more research I do about this rifle the more I'm impressed with them. It's amazing to hold a piece of history in your hands. I'll have to look into Sarco & Numrich, when I do this, I want to do it right and keep everything original. No reproduction stocks, I know it'll cost more to get an original but I think it will be worth it for the right one.

[Dad]

You might want to check with Dupage Trading Co. for a stock.
I have bought some '03 and '03A3 stocks from them and I have never been disappointed.
They don't list '03A3 stocks on their web site but they do have them, you just have to give them a call.

Purveyors of US Martial Firearms Parts Accesories | Dupage Trading

D.

[Rick the Librarian]

The barrel is probably original. You didn't give the whole serial number (and included an extra "X") so I can't look up the number.

The Remington M1903A3 was developed out of the Remington M1903, which was produced from late 1941 to early 1943. The Remington M1903 was originally ordered by the British, but the order was taken over by the U.S. before any rifles were made. In late 1942, the M1903A3, with the ramp-type rear sight was introduced and produced until early 1944.

Early M1903A3s often saw service, but mostly in training and by support units, like MPs and engineers. Some were used as grenade-launching platforms, since an effective grenade launcher for the M1 wasn't developed until late in WWII.

If the receiver hasn't been drilled and tapped and the rear sight is still present, this would be a good candidate for restoration. A correct stock would have stock pins, rather than stock bolts. These are still pretty easy to locate - check the WTS forums and eBay.

Can you post some pictures?

[bbark]

Hey rick,

so I know the pictures aren't the greatest, but until i can get my camera out the cell phone will have to do for now.

if anyone has any info they can give me that would be much appreciated, and I'm currently looking into the websites for stocks to replace the new one with the original. I'll post pictures when its finished!

[finloq]

I'd say that it's an easy fix to bring her back to fighting shape. My RA 9/43 has a Smith Corona pinned stock. They are pretty when they are original.

[Rick the Librarian]

I agree with finloq - M1903A3 parts are still reasonably available. I'd go ahead.

[finloq]

Hell, you could take your time and find a nice pinned stock for $200 and still be into her for a good $ amount. I paid $650 for my 5/43 Remington (9/43 barrel) last year and I count myself quite happy.

[Neal Myers]

Well, I didn't hear the words "all the small parts are marked R or RP". And, you will need handguards & barrels bands.

As for "history", DCM sold a boatload of the 03's & 03A3's in the early 1960's; many were "never issued". A lot of folks sporterized them, as few saw the "history" of these rifles. And, it was a cheap way to make a nice deer rifle. In the late 1990's, CMP sold 03 & 03A3 "Greek returns", but most/all were rebuilt Mixed Parts Mongrels.

Neal