Another new A303

Hello (this is only my second post), I have a "new" Remington A303 to share (4040788 - Oct. '43?) and to get opinions about what I may have. I am new to 03's so I checked around online and was directed to Vi Shooter and found the following: It's an S stock, RA 5-43 barrel (found on receivers made from Mar. to Dec. '43). Parkerized receiver/barrel all other parts blued. I've not torn it down yet, but it has R's on the bolt handle, shroud and front sight. The only mark on the stock is a "P" (not in circle) behind the trigger guard. The buttplate is not checkered and appears to be a Springfield 1917-1920 type design (as shown on Vi Shooter). Opinions, please! Thank you.

Any markings on the left side of the stock near the cut off? Please post pictures! It sounds like the small parts have the original blue finish.

There are no marks on the left side of the stock or anywhere else on the stock's exterior (except for the "P"). Will work on photos.

Here are photos

You have a very nice looking rifle!

For a Remington, the parts that should be Parkerized are the Barrel & Receiver; everything else should be blued: both bands; the swivels, bolt assembly; trigger guard & butt plate (although yours is obviously a milled 1903 BP). Your stock has been sanded - enough to remove the cartouche. Does the cut for the lower band spring have rounded or straight edges? Smith Corona used a plunge router to make the cutout so the front end is round; Remington’s cut will have straight edges.

Good photos! From what I can see, the buttplate and cocking piece are from an '03.

Stocks a replacement, but it sure has a nice grain.

Barrel date seems early. If it's in really great shape, I'd guess it's been replaced.

Shoot it, and don't change a thing! :thup:

Thanks all for the observations. I think the stock has not been sanded - there are too many old dings and scratches, plus the cartouche ("P") is crisp. All I did was clean the crud with Simple Green and apply a light coat of paste wax. I bought it off an old timer (WWII vet?) at a Bakersfield gun show who claimed it had been in his closet for the past 45 years. Thanks again.

---------- Post added at 11:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:38 AM ----------

Oh, lower band spring cutout has a squared off end (not rounded).

Stock has been sanded by somebody for sure. A pile of Remington stamps are gone. It is a nice shooter and a nice find! Good for you.

The P mark does not look like any I have seen. The "bare" Ps are usually bigger.

My Remington 03-A3, Ser #4048566, is close to yours, but has an 8-43 dated barrel. This was my uncle's rifle, which he purchased through the old NRA / DCM program in the 60's. It appears all original, in very nice condition with throat erosion and muzzle wear readings below 0.5