Remington 1903 A3 stock marking??

[lpfeifer]

I am looking at a Remington built 1903 03-A3 that is packed in cosmoline. Its dated l-43 and serial is 3841931. Right side of the butt stock about 4 inches in, the number 1931 which is part of the serial number. I have not seen this stamping on any research of markings. Is this a normal mark for this gun? Not real familiar with this one but think I need to own it. Just don't want to overpay if its not original or the right markings.
Thanks in advance for any and all help.
Lyle

Information

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[AFJon]

Possibly a rack number.

[m1903rifle]

Probably a CMP Greek return rifle. The Greeks stamped the stock with the last 4 numbers of the serial number.

[mark1]

Look at the bolt handle and see if the number 1931 is etched on it. Also look at the bottom of the trigger guard housing and see if there is the letter B some of the Greek rifles has B's stamped on them.

[lpfeifer]

No "B" on the bottom and the bolt has nothing but maybe a small "R" on it. To much cosmoline. The seller looked it over real close. The number on the stock is the last 4 of the serial number. It is still packed in cosmoline as I stated. He said he is not sure if it ever was fired. Everything is a greyish green including the bolt assembly. The end sight and barrel look a little darker in some light but not blued. Serial number is 3841931. Breech stamped Remington model 03-A3 and the barrel behind the sight is stamped l-43. It is a straight "l" so I am not sure in its a,
ONE, the letter I, or ??. He is asking around $1200 for it. Very nice stock with a few scratches. This guy buys out estates and got this from a guy that had a lot of CMP guns so I imagine it was one of the Greek guns he got a lot cheaper than is being ask now. Ideas?? To much?? Not enough?? I know it is worth what someone is willing to pay, but being somewhat of a lend/lease gun, not sure if the value is there??
Thanks,
Lyle Pfeifer

[Tom in N.J.]

No "B" on Greek return M1903A3s trigger guard/floor plate. The "B" shows that the floor plate release has been pined and can not be used to remove the floor plate on M1903 series rifles only. The M1903A3 has a stamped trigger guard / magazine unit with no removable floor plate. Thus, no pining required.

[lpfeifer]

The floor plate looks to be part of the trigger guard. There is a screw at the back of the trigger guard and one at the front of the floor plate. The front part of the trigger guard looks to maybe spot welded to the back of the floor plate?? You can see where the trigger guard 90 degrees to the bottom of the floor plate but no screw to hold it on, hence the spot weld??
Lyle

[browningautorifle]

The floor plate looks to be part of the trigger guard.

How about a picture of this one?

[pickax]

This rifle is likely one of many greek returns sold by CMP . They are generally great shooter rifles, ranging from fair to excellent for original parts. Without detailed pictures value should range from $600-$800.
I believe bore condition to be the greatest factor in these rifles. A good quick test of the muzzle wear without gauges is to insert the tip of an M2 bullet in muzzle to see if at least 1/2 of bullet stands proud of the muzzle. Also a look with a bore light once grease is removed.
You are far apart on value with the seller. Original parts and stock would bring the value close to his asking price. Some untouched Greeks did happen, but not many. Detailed pics without grease are needed.
A good site to check serials and part comparisons is here: http://www.vishooter.net/m1903.html

[Calif-Steve]

I agree $600-$800 is proper. Sure sounds like a Greek return and not a $1200 rifle. Keep looking at the big gunshows. They are around.