1903a3

I just purchased a Remington 1903a3 in very nice condition. but it does have some quirks. The Muzzle is threaded with 1/2-28 threads to the front of the frontsight . The front sight blade is taller than any I have ever seen and is made from shiny metal either nickel or stainless. I had an old Herter's muzzle break so I put that on to keep the threads. Does anybody know if this rifle was ever issued with a threaded muzzle? Could the high front sight blade been necessary to sight over whatever device was intended to be used? Or did I just by a mongrol that just happens to dead on accurate at close range. btw it,s got the most amazingly smooth trigger,

Your M1903A3 was modified after it left the military. M1903A3s used to be relatively cheap (as little as $14.50 through the DCM) and very plentiful.

Still posting pictures would be a start.

I'm guessing it was done for a suppressor with a higher front sight to clear the can ( depending on how high high is ) . That thread size is more modern than the period that rifle was used in , so I'd bet civilian mod. Rifle rounds don't suppress well unless loaded to sub-sonic , loosing most of thier power .
There are pics of '03s with suppressors on them from WW2 . The supersonic crack of a bullet passing by you without the rifle's crack will sound like it's comming from where it is going often .
Chris

I would bet more likely a muzzle brake, rather than a suppressor. Again, almost 100% that it was done by a former civilian owner.

Muzzle brake? Bubba was reading Tacticool gun rags again. Surprised the barrel isn't free floated or there's no evidence of where he glued a laser on the fore end.

I've seen it done ... I don't know WHY it was done, but I've seen it done! :D

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Originally Posted by Rick the Librarian

I've seen it done ... I don't know WHY it was done, but I've seen it done! :D

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OK. Old thread. I get it.

Herters made a slide on and Allen wrench screw "muzzle brake" , as well as others,for hiding the ridge on military rifles during the "Bubba"era. 1.5 to 2 inches could have been cut off the barrel and crowned but the thinking was it was better to keep the 2"s.

Yes, 1903xxxx were less than $20 through CMP. Same for 1911's and M1 carbines. This is mid 50's. Keep in mind that $20 is worth $185 today. Plus the rifles needed to be Bubba'ed.

My Dad was a student at Alabama in the 50's. Rufus Deal was the head of the state NG rifle team in Tuscaloosa and they became friends. Rufus built 2 rifles for my Dad.

One was a 1944 1903A3 receiver with a 4 groove 1943 SC, Smith Corona, barell. The DOD allowed contractors to go to 2 groove during 1943 to increase production. Most 1903xxx rifles then were used for guard duty or to drop to resistance forces. My Dad never used the gun. I have been using it for 40 years as my go to rifle. Sporter stock, Timney trigger, Luepold VX 3 2.5x8 scope. Matte finish. Sub 1 moa groups with 150 gr. Winchester Power Points. And the fake muzzle brake.

Rufus also built my Dad a 1903 30-338 Win Mag sporter. It has never been shot since getting it. Including my Dad who passed in 2010. The 30-338 wildcat was used in military competition shoots for some period of time. Thinking about reviving it with reduced loads.

I also have another sporterized 03 I bought as is and it is a 1 moa gun. Also have an A3 action I may get built out.

I had a Bubba'ed 1909 Argentine Mauser built in .270. Sub 1 moa also. Richard's Micro fit stock. Timmney trigger, Luepold.

As a side note Rufus had an unlimited access to .30 match ammo. He would file the end and drill out to a hollow point. Very effective and accurate.

So, I get the Bubba reference. I have never cut up an original nor would I. I do have an affinity though for bubba'ed guns.

I wish these 03a3 rifles were an easy find still

About looking for 1903's

Some dude on Armory.Auction has a 1903A3 Smith Corona up for bid, and says he's going to put a bunch more up soon!

Just saying.

Here is a picture of a M1917 trigger. I do not have a M1903/03A3 trigger for comparison but I put a ruler down so you could see the size. From your picture, I believe that you have a M1903/03A3 trigger manufactured by Remington (the "R" stamp is the clue). Note that the M1917 trigger is thinner where it enters the sear, but there is a step at the bottom to fit the trigger guard-why? I do not know. The Brits sometimes design some odd things.
Hope this helps. I still believe that our receiver has been altered to accommodate the Tmney trigger.
FWIW
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