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I am looking at a Remington built 1903 03-A3 that is packed in cosmoline. Its dated l-43 and serial is 3841931. Right side of the butt stock about 4 inches in, the number 1931 which is part of the serial number. I have not seen this stamping on any research of markings. Is this a normal mark for this gun? Not real familiar with this one but think I need to own it. Just don't want to overpay if its not original or the right markings.
Thanks in advance for any and all help.
Lyle
Possibly a rack number.
Probably a CMP Greek return rifle. The Greeks stamped the stock with the last 4 numbers of the serial number.
Look at the bolt handle and see if the number 1931 is etched on it. Also look at the bottom of the trigger guard housing and see if there is the letter B some of the Greek rifles has B's stamped on them.
No "B" on the bottom and the bolt has nothing but maybe a small "R" on it. To much cosmoline. The seller looked it over real close. The number on the stock is the last 4 of the serial number. It is still packed in cosmoline as I stated. He said he is not sure if it ever was fired. Everything is a greyish green including the bolt assembly. The end sight and barrel look a little darker in some light but not blued. Serial number is 3841931. Breech stamped Remington model 03-A3 and the barrel behind the sight is stamped l-43. It is a straight "l" so I am not sure in its a,
ONE, the letter I, or ??. He is asking around $1200 for it. Very nice stock with a few scratches. This guy buys out estates and got this from a guy that had a lot of CMP guns so I imagine it was one of the Greek guns he got a lot cheaper than is being ask now. Ideas?? To much?? Not enough?? I know it is worth what someone is willing to pay, but being somewhat of a lend/lease gun, not sure if the value is there??
Thanks,
Lyle Pfeifer
No "B" on Greek return M1903A3s trigger guard/floor plate. The "B" shows that the floor plate release has been pined and can not be used to remove the floor plate on M1903 series rifles only. The M1903A3 has a stamped trigger guard / magazine unit with no removable floor plate. Thus, no pining required. :rolleyes:
The floor plate looks to be part of the trigger guard. There is a screw at the back of the trigger guard and one at the front of the floor plate. The front part of the trigger guard looks to maybe spot welded to the back of the floor plate?? You can see where the trigger guard 90 degrees to the bottom of the floor plate but no screw to hold it on, hence the spot weld??
Lyle
How about a picture of this one?Quote:
Originally Posted by lpfeifer
This rifle is likely one of many greek returns sold by CMP . They are generally great shooter rifles, ranging from fair to excellent for original parts. Without detailed pictures value should range from $600-$800.
I believe bore condition to be the greatest factor in these rifles. A good quick test of the muzzle wear without gauges is to insert the tip of an M2 bullet in muzzle to see if at least 1/2 of bullet stands proud of the muzzle. Also a look with a bore light once grease is removed.
You are far apart on value with the seller. Original parts and stock would bring the value close to his asking price. Some untouched Greeks did happen, but not many. Detailed pics without grease are needed.
A good site to check serials and part comparisons is here: http://www.vishooter.net/m1903.html
I agree $600-$800 is proper. Sure sounds like a Greek return and not a $1200 rifle. Keep looking at the big gunshows. They are around.
Does anyone know when the 1903 and 1903A3 Springfields were shipped to Greece? I bought five of them back in 2001 from CMP and they are all very nice. Two Rock Islands, two Springfields and one Remington '03A3. One is a 5-30 barrel date in it's original Springfield C stock that's my favorite shooter. It sports a San Antonio Arsenal rebuild stamp. The Remington '03A3 is excellent but has also been through rebuild in the USA prior to being shipped to the Greeks.
Here are some pictures.......
Pictures.....
Sorry about the double post. It didn't load right away. He says the bore is good. I have bought from him several times trust him on that.
Lyle
Brian Dick: I did see a chart years ago listing countries, dates, and number of rifles received. I'm on low signal strength in Maine right now. A high speed search using military assistance program with 1903 and Greece would be a good start.
Lyle Your pics look good for a Remington A3 rebuild. The C stock is a shooting bonus for comfort and sight picture in all positions. The bullet test looks to me like around 2 1/2- 3 (1 is new). Well within specs but well used. If seller will come to 7-800 you will have a fine rifle.
Melt off all that greasy greek stuff and enjoy!
$860 and climbing with 2 hours left to bid. Its on gunbroker if anyone is interested. I think he could get his price but I am out. To many available and I am looking for a shooter, not a safe queen.
Thanks for all the help.
Lyle
Smart man, keep an eye out on the forums too. They are out there, with better barrels.
I wouldn't want it at any price. The grease on Greek returns is usually deep in the pores of the wood, & you can never get it grease-free. There have been many attempts, such as wrapping it in newspaper & leaving it on they dashboard of your car for weeks, but the grease will always seep out when the rifle gets warm.