Questions on markings on a perspective Remington 1903 purchase.

HI, New to the forum.

I am considering purchasing what looks to be a very nice late issue Rem. 1903.
THe seller is a friend so I will have access to it for better photos in the next few days, but just snapped a few with my phone to begin my research.

The serial number jives with the FJA and RA on the stock. The odd letters are the FFF and 002 on the opposite side of the stock.

Anyone know what this means?

In my first once over, I could not find an "R" on the extractor. It may be hidden by dried grease and will be examining all sides of that extractor more carefully next time. But here is a broader question:

Exactly what parts on this rifle should have an "R" on them? WHat parts are acceptable without one (without affecting value)?

Lastly for this post, the sling looks to be very original, and bares a faint 1942 stamped into it.
(Not pictured) Does this look to be an orig?

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...IMG_2951-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...IMG_2950-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...IMG_2949-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...IMG_2953-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...IMG_2954-1.jpg

Another thought: I know this is a late Remington, but is this considered a transitional gun? If so, should it have all the same "R" markings as earlier Rem models?

It looks Ok to me. Many of these went to the US Navy, perhaps Navy markings on stock? What is asking price?

I will post more detailed pics soon of all the markings etc. He wants $750.

In the picture of the whole rifle, I had the bolt out, it is not missing. Nothing is dinged up or worn. No major problems with the stock, in fact it is in nice shape. Love the sling. (Stamped 1942)

Looks like a nice rifle. How is the bore? The M1907 sling adds $100, if in good shape. Looks like you have alot of milled parts there, might be original, might not. Most all of the parts should be marked "R". Is the trigger guard marked?

Is the stock relieved for the A3 handguard ring?

Even if a few parts are not original, the rifle looks good. If the bore is nice, I would have not problem with a $750 pricetag.

Welcome to the forum!

The markings (FJA - RA) indicate the stock was taken from a late Remington M1903A3, probably a year later. The rifle is not necessarily a "transitional" rifle, but should have Remington M1903 parts. I can't tell much from the pictures, except that the handguard is also a replacement and the rifle has probably been refinished. If the bore is in good condition, I would think the price is a decent one, but not a steal.

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Originally Posted by Rick the Librarian

The markings (FJA - RA) indicate the stock was taken from a late Remington M1903A3, probably a year later. The rifle is not necessarily a "transitional" rifle, but should have Remington M1903 parts. I can't tell much from the pictures, except that the handguard is also a replacement and the rifle has probably been refinished. If the bore is in good condition, I would think the price is a decent one, but not a steal.

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Hi, Thanks for the response. I am a newb to the Rem1903, but saw this on a website say that this serial number 03 would correctly have the FJA RA stamps. You may be familiar with it , but the website looks neat. Look down the page. http://www.trfindley.com/pgsnstmps03.html

How can you tell the handguard is replaced?

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Originally Posted by Mike D

Looks like a nice rifle. How is the bore? The M1907 sling adds $100, if in good shape. Looks like you have alot of milled parts there, might be original, might not. Most all of the parts should be marked "R". Is the trigger guard marked?

Is the stock relieved for the A3 handguard ring?



Welcome to the forum!

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HI, THe bore looks great. Don't know which is the A3 handguard ring. (Newb alert.) I really need to study up as I want an original gun as possible. I posted above a website that talks about the stamping. Interesting web site being he shows the stamps and all. I am going to have a long tear down photo session with this gun , if the owner can tolerate my pickiness. Thanks for responding.

What is the barrel date? A photo of stock from above the serial number on the receiver will help. This there an "R" mark on the trigger guard? Price is high end. I just looked again at the receiver photo. Appears to be an 03-A3 stock. Not correct. Parts gun?

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Originally Posted by Calif-Steve

What is the barrel date? A photo of stock from above the serial number on the receiver will help. This there an "R" mark on the trigger guard? Price is high end. I just looked again at the receiver photo. Appears to be an 03-A3 stock. Not correct. Parts gun?

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Believe it or not, on my first brief session with this gun, I didn't take a photo of the barrel date, but believe it was 11-42 and had the flaming bomb. Also have to check the trigger guard and all else. Was looking at the extractor and did not see any R on the side. It may be hiding though. Next session I am bring the good camera with excellent close up skills. Besides the stamping, is there anything else that makes you think it is an A3 stock?

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Originally Posted by Wizard

Hi, Thanks for the response. I am a newb to the Rem1903, but saw this on a website say that this serial number 03 would correctly have the FJA RA stamps. You may be familiar with it , but the website looks neat. Look down the page. http://www.trfindley.com/pgsnstmps03.html

How can you tell the handguard is replaced?

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Mr. Findley's knowledge on the Remington M1903 is as faulty as his "restored" stock markings! The RA was not added to Remington M1903s and only to later Remington M1903A3s.

The shape of the handguard is wrong for a Remington M1903 - an original handguard was a slightly modified high hump-type. I can post a picture, if desired.

If you look on either side of the stock nearest the forward end of the receiver, you should see a "slot" on either side. That is for the 03A3 handguard ring, which held the 03A3 handguard in place.

The 11-42 barrel (if a Remington), is probably correct.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rick the Librarian

Mr. Findley's knowledge on the Remington M1903 is as faulty as his "restored" stock markings! The RA was not added to Remington M1903s and only to later Remington M1903A3s.

The shape of the handguard is wrong for a Remington M1903 - an original handguard was a slightly modified high hump-type. I can post a picture, if desired.

If you look on either side of the stock nearest the forward end of the receiver, you should see a "slot" on either side. That is for the 03A3 handguard ring, which held the 03A3 handguard in place.

The 11-42 barrel (if a Remington), is probably correct.

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Thanks Rick. I am grateful to you guys for saving me from buying a gun that is not all original. I collect many things, and originality is important to me. If it is not too much trouble I would like to take you up on posting the picture of the hand guard. I want to learn as much as possible, as I want one of these fine weapons. Loooking at some photos of some A3's, I am not too sure where that 'slot' is you mentioned. Thanks in advance.

Really looks like a clean parts gun. If so, the price is out of line. Stock does not appear to be correct. Finding a nice Remington '03 stock is difficult and expensive. Im guessing, but I expect to see an 03-A3 bolt as they are the most common bolts around.

TOM FINDLEY is no friend of mine. :thdown:

Here is a picture of a Remington handguard. It is on one of my Red Star rifles, so thus, the red band.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...tandard-10.jpg

Also posted is a late Remington M1903 with a 03A3 stock mounted. Note the "slots" on either side of the receiver (even with the last digit in the serial number, a "9"). They were for a handguard ring, which held the handguard on a M1903A3.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...tandard-11.jpg

Saw the gun tonight, it does have the A3 notches. Question, being that it is a late Remington 03, is it possible that they used A3 stocks at that time?

No ... they were still using M1903 stocks at that point. I seem to recall that some 03A3 stocks were used at the very end of production (@ 3,360,000 range) but the stock on this rifle rifle is a LATE 03A3 stock from mid to late 1943 and later. Not even close.

Rick is correct, Wizzard. If you want an original 1903, or one close to original I'd save the $750 you'd have to spend for this one and keep looking for what you really want.

Don't try to talk yourself into a rifle you won't be happy with later just because it's there. At the price he's asking, you can save a little more and get something you'll really be happy with.

Yeah thanks, Not trying to talk my self into it, just getting up to speed. I want all original and am prepared to wait. Thanks all for the responses. :)