original 03A3?

I'm thinking of picking up a Remington 03A3 that at first blush looks original.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...ntitled9-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...ntitled8-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...ntitled7-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...titled10-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../Rem03a3-1.jpg

I'm a little concerned about a few features and would like some opinions as to its "originality"

-The "FJA"cartouche looks a little flukey with the letter spacing and the "." between the F and the J. It is possible that the "." is just a ding and not a period.

-There seems to be a lot of sub-inspection stamps on the underside of the stock...maybe too many to be legit.

-The upper barrel band seems to be parked, which if I'm correct, may be a replacement rather than an original piece.


Anyone see anything else that would give pause that this is in "original condition"

Thanks

PS...this rifle is in the 35xxxxx s/n range.

I agree, looks real nice almost too nice. I am waiting to see what others say.

Only the very early RA M1903-A3 upper barrel bands were phosphate, this should be blued..

I would like to see it. BUT, it looks OK from here. BIG question is how much???

Interesting. The FJA does look off. All the one piece stamps I've seen do not have that space.
It doesn't have any cross bolts in the stock so I believe it's a replacement. Someone correct me on that if I'm wrong. The crud in the trigger guard and screw has been there for a while. It doesn't look like it's been apart for a long time. The color of the green reminds me of all the Greek returns that came back through the CMP. I'm not saying it is a return. It is a nice looker, what's the price? If it's shooter priced, I wouldn't let the stamp bother me.
Here is a link to stamps, but these are reproduction stamps.
http://www.trfindley.com/pgsnstmps03.html

The big question is, what serial number, all of the features I see indicate an early production. Cocking knob, bolt sleeve are early R, so is the stock and I believe it is fine, all markings considered (there were un boxed FJA) and I don't believe that is a period. The sub inspector marks are not out of place and cross pinned stocks were a brief thing in early production. If the earlier statement about the bayonet lugs is true, then serial number dependant,,, it looks aweful close to me.

3,588x,xxx--early 1943.

I have seen more than the usual four subinspection stamps. I believe they denoted that the rifle had to go back for more work before being accepted. Stock pins were used until about mid-1943. I would also expect the upper band to be blued.

That's a little late, should have diamond pattern cocking knob, radial machine marks in the bolt sleeve and I'm not sure on the dates of the pinned stock, but I suspect it's a later serial number than the stock. Hopefully JB and RTL will check in,,,
Have a happy 4th guys.
Randy

---------- Post added at 07:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:02 PM ----------

Thanks Rick,, I don't remember the time frame on the stocks, when did they start?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rick the Librarian

I have seen more than the usual four subinspection stamps. I believe they denoted that the rifle had to go back for more work before being accepted. Stock pins were used until about mid-1943. I would also expect the upper band to be blued.

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I described the upper band as looking parked. I think the upper band is actually blue...the bayonet lug looks parked. Not sure that makes a difference. Barrel is dated 4-43. I'm not sure if the "ping" in the flaming bombs means anything.
Attachment 34944


The "P" stamp behind the trigger guard looks right
Attachment 34945

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Randy A

That's a little late, should have diamond pattern cocking knob, radial machine marks in the bolt sleeve and I'm not sure on the dates of the pinned stock, but I suspect it's a later serial number than the stock. Hopefully JB and RTL will check in,,,
Have a happy 4th guys.
Randy

---------- Post added at 07:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:02 PM ----------

Thanks Rick,, I don't remember the time frame on the stocks, when did they start?

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Pinned stocks started in late 1942 with late Remington M1903s in an attempt to save time and material. The pinned stocks continued in use with the early M1903A3s until about mid-1943.

How about a close up picture of the band spring cut out in the stock. Could the stock be Smith-Corona?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by m1903rifle

How about a close up picture of the band spring cut out in the stock. Could the stock be Smith-Corona?

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Unfortunately, I've posted all the pictures that I have. This one, showing the "circle P", looks like a Remington proof, but it is difficult to be sure without being able to measure it

Attachment 34953

Here is a pic of the receiver

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...titled11-1.jpg

Many thanks for the feedback.