Which '03 am I looking for? (Navy use)

[smac61]

Hi, I hope someone here can point me in the right direction. My Father was a MoMM on a destoryer through out WWII (Pacific). He used to speak fondly of the 1903 he used to use for shark detail (I guess he would scan the waters for sharks while crew members were swimming)

My Son, he and I were planing on running down to CMP to get one a few years back when he took I'll and died very soon after. My Son and I have decided to resume the quest in his honour but have a few questions...

Knowing I will never be able to know for sure, what likely would he have been using? I assume an 1903a3. Where there Navy marked specific guns? Would I be able to find one of proper vintage and in serviceable condition with out breaking the bank?

Any pointer would be greatly appreiciated.

Thanks,
Sean

Information

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[Calif-Steve]

The Navy did not use the '03-A3 in WWII, as best as I know. He most likely had a M1903 model. You will find them at most big gunshows. Look for a Springfield made with a Serial number over 800,000. Good luck.

[pmclaine]

Just watched the movie "The Sand Pebbles" last week. I know its Hollywood but they depict Navy use of 03's pretty well in this one. Steve McQueen even gets a close up with a leaf sight and a grasping groove stock.

[Cosine26]

The Navy did use 03A3's during WWII. When I entered ships pool at the Newport, R.I. Receiving Station we spent a week at the rifle range. The range was designed and operated by CDR Thurman Randle (a pre war rifleman who later became president of the NRA) and that was my introduction to the 03A3. Prior to that I had experience with the 03 and was surprised by the 03A3 as I knew nothing of them. On my ship (a light cruiser) , such duties (mine diestruction or swimmers guard) were handled by the MarDet so I never saw 03's or 03A3's as the MarDet was equipped with M1's. I would believe that late in the war, with the addition of so many ships, scarcity of 03's would require that 03A3's be issued but cannot say so for sure.

[smac61]

...such duties (mine diestruction or swimmers guard)

Ahhh, thanks for that. He spent a good portion of the war on a mine sweeper as well and I do remember him mentioning the '03 in that capacity as well...

[Calif-Steve]

Indeed, thanks for that. I thought most of the 03-A3's went to the Army. Nice to know some went to the Navy as well.

[Rick the Librarian]

When SRS used to be available online, I noted quite a few M1903A3s listed as having been assigned to auxiliary ships, like transports, sub chasers, etc. I would guess a destroyer more likely to have M1 carbines, Garands and .45s, though.

[John Beard]

Your father most likely used a Remington M1903 between S/N 3055000 and S/N 3300000.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[smac61]

Your father most likely used a Remington M1903 between S/N 3055000 and S/N 3300000.

I'm curious how you came to that conclusion?

Gives me a well defined target ...

Thanks,
Sean

[A square 10]

you can trust his info , im mostly just learning ,