New to the 03 arena with 1 st purchase

Gentlemen,

Just purchased my first 03a3 at a local gun shop in Central Fla. for $625..I am new to this arena...here go the details..the receiver is marked Remington 03a3 s/n 407765X, barrel R.A. 12-43. Stock is straight with faint R.A. cartouche on left side below cutoff. Arsenal rebuild stamp RIA EB in square box. The bolt has a black finish closely matching the receiver. the only marks I could find are either an "R" or an "H" (stamping may not be complete) next to a "O" on the top of the blot handle, the underneath has a punch mark with either an "8" in its side or maybe the ordinance bomb. the trigger guard is stamped with no markings..everything appears Remington with the exception of the front sling swivel, bolt sleeve (it's marked B.P.) and maybe the triggerguard.

Can anyone i.d. the bolt, and advise if the barrel is correct for the receiver?
also, what trigger guard is correct and did Remington stamp them?

Thanks in advance to all you knowledgable collectors.....Curraheecarl in Fla

If a part fits, it's correct. Most Springfields (and Garands, for that matter) went through at least one arsenal rebuild -- so mixed parts rifles are the rule.

Remington developed the '03A3 by substituting stamped parts for the non-functional machined parts used in earlier '03s -- stamped parts are the signature of the '03A3.

90% of the correct and original parts on a Remington A3 will be marked with an R, and will be stamped steel, barrel is likely original to the receiver.

Remington trigger guards often had a ® stamped on the rear of the magazine box.

See here: http://home.att.net/~vishooter/m1903.html
Your receiver dates to November, 1943. The barrel may be correct.

Hey Carl,

I checked the VISHOOTER sight concerning your bolt. This sight is maintained by one of our members, vishooter, and has tons of info and charts provided by another member John Beard, the '03 Professor.

The markings on the top of your bolt root are probably "HO" and that would be the first "HO" bolt in that series, Springfield, early '42. Don't know about the bottom markings.

The arsenal stamp on the stock is for Rock Island Arsenal and the initials below RIA are of the inspector, think Elmer Burck or something like that.

Shine a bright light on your bolt and receiver, they might not be black but a very dark parkerizing.

We love photos, if ya' can post some might get additional info.

Sounds like ya' did real good. What is the condition of the overall finish and bore?

Death to tyrants,

Lancebear