Remington M1903a3--Rebuild or Original

[FireBirdGuy]

Hello!

First off, I want to thank you all for putting in the effort to create a knowledgable resource for military surplus gun owners. I have been reading your posts over the past few months and am impressed at the depth of knowledge your members have.

I am new to gun ownership. I purchased my first gun in December 2015, a Remington M1903a3. I saw it on a gun rack in a local gun store and couldn't resist purchasing it. It had a clean look and something that oozed history. Plus, the rifling appeared to be strong and it looked like a good shooter.

After buying the gun, I spent a lot of time researching M1903a3 gun history, care, details, anything I could find. I wanted to learn about my gun and what the stock cartouches meant, etc. It an exciting hobby!

I am interested in figuring out if my gun is a rebuild or if it is original--in other words, will it have any value beyond being just a shooter. (I will post a lot of pics)

A few things I think I have correctly--correct me if I am wrong:
-serial number and barrel date match-- 11-43
-rifling is strong--no visible pitting in bore
-many, if not all, parts are stamped "R" except for bolt
-Correct stock cartouches are visible
-Has an "RIA EB" rebuild mark on stock, not sure if it was rebuilt or stored though because a lot of parts have "R" on them.

A few things I am concerned about:
-The bolt appears to be parkerized
-receiver and barrel appears to be black (I guess "blued" is the proper term)
-Bolt marked with an "8"
-There is a M1903 follower in the receiver instead of the "A3" follower.
-I think I may have paid too much for this gun, especially if it is not original--I don't plan on selling it soon though.

I am interested in your input, I have attached pics.

Thank you for your time!

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[FireBirdGuy]

Sorry, I should probably show you pictures of the entire gun too!

[twh]

It's a nice example of a RIA rebuild. As to whether you paid to much only you can decide that but I would expect it to run about $600-$650 assuming a good bore.

[Rick the Librarian]

You may have one of the "Greek" 1903s sold by CMP in 2002-2006. The four-number stamp on the stock is proof. Somebody might have swapped the bolt. It is one of the better Greek rifles out there. RIA/EB is a inspection or overhaul stamp from Rock Island (1946-58) and probably dates from the earlier period. I see quite a few on those rifles (especially 1903A3s) that were sent to Greece. EB is Elmer Bjerke, chief of small arms inspection.

[FireBirdGuy]

Thank you for the responses! Given that it is a rebuild, would it be worth investing more in it to purchase correct parts for it--such as a blued bolt and A3 follower--or would I be spending too much on something that will not appreciate that much in value?

Is a Greek rebuild unique? I find it interesting that my gun has a matching barrel and receiver.

[martin08]

If it was as simple as swapping out a barrel band or safety lever, I would say yes, find those parts.

But at the end of the day, you will need far too many parts to make it financially feasible, and you will always be adding parts to a refinished barreled action. My advice? Keep it as a shooter and look for an original.

[FireBirdGuy]

Ok, I understand. That makes sense since some of the parts can run $20 a piece. I have what appears to be all Remington stamped parts except for the bolt. I'm not sure what the "8" means on the bolt, but I am glad it is 99% marked "R".

[Eaglelord17]

Thank you for the responses! Given that it is a rebuild, would it be worth investing more in it to purchase correct parts for it--such as a blued bolt and A3 follower--or would I be spending too much on something that will not appreciate that much in value?

Just a small point, your rifle was factory correct ONCE in its life. Changing parts doesn't make it factory correct and doesn't portray the history of the firearm, as it was issued (which is the state it is in now). I don't know why you Americans are so obsessed with getting the 'right' parts, as it was mainly the American rebuilds that mixed them all up (though this case would be a Greek rebuild).

Just my thoughts on this, as to me this part changing mentality (when nothing is actually broken) you all have is not actually preserving history, rather preserving what you all think the history should be.

[Rick the Librarian]

As I recall, the "8" was actually an Ordnance "bomb" and the bolt was made for an early M1903A3.

[FireBirdGuy]

Thank you for the feedback. I appreciate your advice. Just before reading seeing your post, I saw an article about M1903A3's being used in the Greek civil war against communists in the late 1940's. Some interesting history right there!

I guess the "8" does look more like a bomb now that I am looking at it.

Based on your analysis I am thinking the rifle is mostly original and Greek. I can see all correct stock markings--they are very feint, but they are there--the FJA, Ordnance Seal, 4 under the trigger guard. I don't think much was replaced with this rifle which makes me happy knowing I purchased a mostly original M1903A3. She is a fun shooter too,

---------- Post added at 12:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:55 PM ----------

Initially, I was afraid the rifle was a mixmaster of parts which is why i would have liked to place correct parts in it--All the parts are in great shape too. Now that I have learned it is a Greek version and has historical significance/value, I am not very interested in altering it.