Another new A303

[LMoore]

Hello (this is only my second post), I have a "new" Remington A303 to share (4040788 - Oct. '43?) and to get opinions about what I may have. I am new to 03's so I checked around online and was directed to Vi Shooter and found the following: It's an S stock, RA 5-43 barrel (found on receivers made from Mar. to Dec. '43). Parkerized receiver/barrel all other parts blued. I've not torn it down yet, but it has R's on the bolt handle, shroud and front sight. The only mark on the stock is a "P" (not in circle) behind the trigger guard. The buttplate is not checkered and appears to be a Springfield 1917-1920 type design (as shown on Vi Shooter). Opinions, please! Thank you.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Kirk]

Any markings on the left side of the stock near the cut off? Please post pictures! It sounds like the small parts have the original blue finish.

[LMoore]

There are no marks on the left side of the stock or anywhere else on the stock's exterior (except for the "P"). Will work on photos.

[LMoore]

Here are photos

[Kirk]

You have a very nice looking rifle!

For a Remington, the parts that should be Parkerized are the Barrel & Receiver; everything else should be blued: both bands; the swivels, bolt assembly; trigger guard & butt plate (although yours is obviously a milled 1903 BP). Your stock has been sanded - enough to remove the cartouche. Does the cut for the lower band spring have rounded or straight edges? Smith Corona used a plunge router to make the cutout so the front end is round; Remington’s cut will have straight edges.

[Mike D]

Good photos! From what I can see, the buttplate and cocking piece are from an '03.

Stocks a replacement, but it sure has a nice grain.

Barrel date seems early. If it's in really great shape, I'd guess it's been replaced.

Shoot it, and don't change a thing!

[LMoore]

Thanks all for the observations. I think the stock has not been sanded - there are too many old dings and scratches, plus the cartouche ("P") is crisp. All I did was clean the crud with Simple Green and apply a light coat of paste wax. I bought it off an old timer (WWII vet?) at a Bakersfield gun show who claimed it had been in his closet for the past 45 years. Thanks again.

---------- Post added at 11:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:38 AM ----------

Oh, lower band spring cutout has a squared off end (not rounded).

[Calif-Steve]

Stock has been sanded by somebody for sure. A pile of Remington stamps are gone. It is a nice shooter and a nice find! Good for you.

[Rick the Librarian]

The P mark does not look like any I have seen. The "bare" Ps are usually bigger.

[John Wyatt]

My Remington 03-A3, Ser #4048566, is close to yours, but has an 8-43 dated barrel. This was my uncle's rifle, which he purchased through the old NRA / DCM program in the 60's. It appears all original, in very nice condition with throat erosion and muzzle wear readings below 0.5