New member with a question

[sarge508]

I agree that it is likely a 1903 receiver altered, when I get it we'll see if it has a dovetail or gunk.
Does not the serial number indicte a 1903a3 made 12-42 or 01-43?

[browningautorifle]

What some information indicates is that 1903A3 production began in 1942 at number 3348086. This receiver was made in 1942 apparently.

[sarge508]

I agree, but this one 3352xxx is about 4000 higher, I'm getting a headache, but love it.

[browningautorifle]

Yes, it's higher. I'm thinking they were making both at the same time.

[Rick the Librarian]

Yes, M1903s and M1903A3 were produced "concurrently" for about three months, from late Nov., 1942 to about February, 1943. The lowest M1903A3 number I have seen is in the 3,320,000 range and the highest M1903, 3,380,000 range, so you can see there was a lot of overlap. FWIW, I have M1903A3 3,356,737.

M1903A3 production was supposed to start considerably earlier, but there were targeting problems. Rather than having the receivers pile up in the middle of a war, the receivers were completed as M1903s. Most Remington M1903s from 3,290,000 and up have the "vestigial" bump on the rear receiver bridge for the 03A3 rear sight. The receiver markings and serial number were one of the last steps in production.

[browningautorifle]

Thanks Rick.

[Rick the Librarian]

To elaborate, just in case any of you have trouble with insomnia this evening:

3,320,000-3,350,000: M1903s: Very common; M1903A3s: Very rare

3,360,000: M1903s: common; M1903A3s Uncommon

3,370,000-3,380,000: M1903s: Very rare; M1903A3s: Common

This is the result of my observation over the last 10-12 years in collecting circles; I admit I don't have specific figures to back this up.

[John Beard]

Rick,

Please permit me to modify your observation.

S/N 3320000 - S/N 3335000: M1903's very common, M'03-A3's very rare
S/N 3335000 - S/N 3367000: M1903's and M'03-A3's about evenly split.
S/N 3367000 - S/N 3380000+: M1903's very rare, M'03-A3's very common

My 2c worth. Happy Holidays!

J.B.

[Rick the Librarian]

Maybe more like 3,350,000 and on up on M1903A3s? I don't see hardly any lower than that.

[emmagee1917]

I have 3357818 in a 1903 and 3350702 in an 'A3 . So , I guess their about even in that range . :>)
Chris