Correct Remington 1903 (M) Configuration

So I am looking at a Remington made 1903 (M) RA 9-42 bbl in pretty good shape at a local store and wanted to know a few things before I purchase it. Based on the Remington Societies serial number charts, the date of manufacture should be around September to October of 1942, so the barrel appears to be original.

I got really into making sure that my 1903A3 was proper when I bought it a few years back. I ended up with a completely correct configuration rifle, minus the lower sling band, DCM papered (1962 sale) safe queen about 3 years ago and I am looking to add to my collection.

My questions stem from analyzing the weapon and a larger knowledge for the 03A3 variant. So here goes nothing. Sorry if I sound a little ignorant.

What is the proper configuration for this rifle in terms of milled versus stamped parts? The buttplate, rear sling swivel, and lower sling band are all stamped, but R marked. It was my prior understanding that the transition rifles (late in the 1903 (M) manufacturing range) have stamped parts appearing, but earlier rifles were all milled.

Also, what are the proper cartouches on the stock. There are the cross bolts and the boxed FJA stamp. There are also 1 clearly visible firing proof (circled P) and a potential uncircled larger P, although I don't see any rearsenal cartouches. There are also 4 of the small cartouches in front of the trigger guard.

Are there supposed to be finger grooves on this rifle? There on none on the stock and it is the straight configuration.

Additionally, I know that there are differences in the bolts in terms of the lugs etc. What am I specifically looking for?

I have also noticed that the firing pin rod also appears to be off of a 1903A3 based on the pattern on the cocking piece and the vishooter page. Is this a correct assumption?

Also, it looks pretty well taken care of. What is the current value on today's market. This guy is looking for $1200 which I think is a decently good price. Not a steal, but I think fair given today's market.

If I think of any other questions, I will list them.

Thanks for you replies in advance!



Jon

Jon,

What do you mean by the term "1903 (M)"? Modified? Just for the record, ALL Remington M1903s were considered "Modified" by the Ordnance Department when the rifles were manufactured. Collectors used the term to describe later Remington M1903s, but it is not correct.

I'm assuming your serial number is somewhere in the 3,250,000 range?

If so, the following parts should be stamped:

--lower band and swivel
--trigger guard (small bow)

The stock should be without grasping grooves and have an FJA stamp but NO RA stamp. It probably would have stock bolts but could have stock pins. It should NOT have the "slots" for the 03A3 handguard ring.

The bolt should be marked with an R on the underside; the firing pin should be the 1903-type, not the 1903A3.

If the rifle has a number of M1903A3 parts and not what I listed above, the rifle is overpriced IMHO.

Thanks Rick,

Sorry about that. I have seen your replies to others using that term.

The rifle is just around 3,250,000 range. The trigger guard and floorplate are milled and R marked on this example

There is no visible RA cartouche behind the rear stock bolt. I know that Remington started doing this when SC started making 03A3's

I trust your opinion Rick. What's a good price for a Remington 1903 given this market? Just want to know so I might be able to talk him down.

Jon

Stamped parts started being used in the 3,220,000 range, so a milled trigger guard COULD be possible. What about the lower band? Milled or stamped?

Actually, Remington started stamping their stocks with an RA several months after SC production started, but the purpose was as you said.

The lower band is stamped, blued and R marked. The other stamped parts include the lower sling swivel (butt swivel) and buttplate. Everything else is milled.

Jon

It would be hard to tell for sure without pictures, but the rifle sounds like it might be original. I did notice you mentioned an additional proof "P" aft of the trigger guard. This may be proof (no pun intended!) of an inspection or overhaul at some point.

I will take photos if the seller will let me. Have to go back to the shop. The only part that is parkerized and not blued which should be blued is the bolt collar. So that may be the only part that was replaced during a rebuild and inspection. Like I said, there is no visible arsenal mark/cartouche unless it was sanded off.

Jon