New CMP '03A3

[hsr]

After a 3.5 month wait the Remington M1903A3 I ordered at the end of March arrived today. The serial number is 3522363 with a 3/43 barrel, which seems about right. The stock is a Remington S stock that is devoid of markings except for and "RA" on the left side of the butt. It is much further back and smaller then I would expect the Remington Arms "RA" to be so I am guessing it is a Raritan Arsenal rebuild mark. It looks like it is finished with Tornbee's (sp) Tounge Oil finish. The bolt is an '03A3 with the cuts around the safety lug. It is marked with an R under the handle and what looks like a * on the top of the handle. Someone electropenciled the serial number on the bolt in line with the safety lug. I can't find any other marks. Muzzel wear is 1.7 throat erosion is 1 with a bright and shiny bore. Pictures are at Pictures by hsrifkin - Photobucket. Any coments?

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[Jeff L]

It looks like you got a nice one. If the number on the bolt was a partial number on the bolt, it would suggest a Greek return. Since yours has the complete number it would suggest it came from an outfit with a armorer that liked to keep his parts straight. A rifle team perhaps?

-Jeff L

[hsr]

or a VFW hall?

[BruceV]

Very nice 03-A3. You should be very pleased with the way it handles and how it shoots! Sincerely. BruceV.

[HowdyDoody]

One of the Remington 03s I got from CMP 2-3 years ago has the complete serial No. on the bolt handle. It's a Greek return with the pinned "B" floorplate.

Jim

[Lancebear]

Hey hsr,

The USMC put full serial numbers on some of their bolts just prior to and during WWII.

LB

[John Beard]

After a 3.5 month wait the Remington M1903A3 I ordered at the end of March arrived today. The serial number is 3522363 with a 3/43 barrel, which seems about right. The stock is a Remington S stock that is devoid of markings except for and "RA" on the left side of the butt. It is much further back and smaller then I would expect the Remington Arms "RA" to be so I am guessing it is a Raritan Arsenal rebuild mark. It looks like it is finished with Tornbee's (sp) Tounge Oil finish. The bolt is an '03A3 with the cuts around the safety lug. It is marked with an R under the handle and what looks like a * on the top of the handle. Someone electropenciled the serial number on the bolt in line with the safety lug. I can't find any other marks. Muzzel wear is 1.7 throat erosion is 1 with a bright and shiny bore. Pictures are at Pictures by hsrifkin - Photobucket. Any coments?

Thanks for the photos of your rifle!

Your photos appear to depict a rifle that is completely original, and in splendid condition. You should be justly proud.

The serial number on the bolt is probably of U.S. military origin.

You state that the stock is devoid of markings, except for the "RA". Does the stock have any small subinspector marks in front of the trigger guard? Please advise.

Thanks! And thanks again for the photos!

J.B.

[hsr]

No. I looked for them and there is nothing, no P behind the trigger guard either. The RA, on the otherhand, is very distinct. Also the butt place looks like a Smith Corona one.

I took it out to the range and it is very accurate with both my handloads and LC 69