New 1903A3 owner could use some help

Hi all,

I just came into posession of a 1903A3 year 1932 that I'm told is in great condition for its age. Ive never owned an antique weapon before and would like to know the best way to store it in order to retain its value. I also was told (by the appraiser) that the entire rifle is completely original down to the leather sling except for a 1942 bolt. Also, if I can find a matching parkerized 1932 SA bolt I can increase the value of the gun immensely. I'm at a loss as to where to find one which brought me here. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I can post pics later when I figure out how

1903A3 were not even developed until late '42 / early '43 , so a '32 model would indeed be " rare ". :rofl:
Chris

it is in fact an A1 I've been corrected. This is why I came here lol

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Originally Posted by drader84

Hi all,

I just came into posession of a 1903A3 year 1932 that I'm told is in great condition for its age. Ive never owned an antique weapon before and would like to know the best way to store it in order to retain its value. I also was told (by the appraiser) that the entire rifle is completely original down to the leather sling except for a 1942 bolt. Also, if I can find a matching parkerized 1932 SA bolt I can increase the value of the gun immensely. I'm at a loss as to where to find one which brought me here. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I can post pics later when I figure out how

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drader - post your rifles serial # and barrel maker & date (located just behind the front sight). Maybe we can help you with more specific info...1903 A3 were not made in 1932 so you got some bad info or you suffered a 2X Typo in your post.

Yep , I'm more into WW2 production , but given the info others can tell you what you'll need , then Vi's page on one of the stickies at the start of this forum section will take you to more info and pics on what you'll need to be correct.
Oh , also , board rule #1 , no pictures , never happened.
Welcome to the board.
Chris

first off - its only an A1 if its an 03 in a correct pre-wwII pistol grip stock , and of the right dates , its not an A3 , as stated these were only made transitionally late 42 and 43 , if you are looking for info - provide photos and a serial number , and describe her markings ,

At the end of the barrel there is a marked "SA" above the flaming **** pot with a "2-32" below that. The blot is marked with a "42" and an "R". Forward of the bolt on the stock is marked with a "D28179" and the cartouche on the stock reads "S.A.S.P.G." within a square on the buttstock

Sounds like you have a nice rifle with a pre-war C-stock. Is there another drawing # under the buttstock in front of the rear swivel? Would love to know the serial # and see photos!

if i missed any areas let me know and ill post a pic of that too.

Your rifle appears to be a mix-master. Nothing wrong with that. It is a M1903. As stated, a M1903A1 would have a C-stock. Yours has what is called an S-stock.

Serial # dates to about 1924, so the barrel is likely a replacement.

I think the punch mark below the serial # means it was proof-fired after going through a rebuild, in this case. Looks like it may have been re-finished at some point, possibly during rebuild.

The drawing # on the handguard is seen on mid-30's rifles, I believe. I think J.B. recently said the S.A./S.P.G. cartouche dates to 1936-1940.

The stock looks great! It may not be all original, as you were told, but you have a very nice rifle! Hopefully some others can provide more info and correct any mistakes I might have made. :thup:

Thanks for the input mike d, I appreciate all the help. I'm happy with it no matter what makeup it has. It's a beautiful antique weapon and I'll be holding onto it for a long time.

And the bolt body is a Remington and dates to the end of thier '03 production and the beginning of thier '03A3 production. End of '42 through early '43. JB could prob'ly narrow that down a bit.
The striker is from early '03 production if "R" marked . If not it'll be SA or RIA .
Chris