Remington 1903

[John Wyatt]

I bought a very nice condition, original finish Remington 1903 at a show today. I mainly collect M1's, but have done some research on Rem 03's, since I have wanted to add one to my collection. I haven't stripped it down yet, but I'll post what I can see for now and please let me know if anything seems out of line. I'm not quite sure about the bolt yet, but the rest seems correct to me.

Ser# 3207994, barrel RA 8-42. Stock is a Remington straight grip 1903 with pins and an FJA / Ord. Wheel cartouche ( No RA ), as well as the usual Remington sub-inspectors stamps in front of the trigger housing. The stock does not have the 03-a3 hand guard ring cut. Butt plate is smooth with an R stamped on the underside of the trapdoor. The rear hand guard looks consistent with those identified to Rem 03's on this site.

Upper band / bayonet lug is milled with finish that looks like dark parkerizing. Lower band is stamped and blued with an R marked sling swivel. Rear swivel is also blued and R marked. I haven't removed the trigger housing yet, but it is stamped with a small bow trigger guard and blued finish. The cutoff is blued and R marked with seriffed lettering.

The fixed rear sight base is parked without lightening cuts. The rear sight base, ladder, windage / elevation knobs are all R marked and blued. The front sight base is also R marked.

Now the bolt. After looking at the photos on VI Shooters website, I am not quite sure how to tell the difference between a Rem 03 and o3-a3 bolt. I compared the 03's bolt to the one in my original 4.04mil 03-a3 and can not see much difference. The bolt in the 03 is marked with a small R and punch mark on the underside of the bolt handle root. My 03-a3 bolt has a larger R with punch mark in the same position, as well as another mark that appears to be a number 8 on top of the bolt handle root. The cocking piece definitely looks like a Rem 03. The bolt sleeve, safety and extractor are all R marked. I'll have to take the bolt apart to see the rest.

I paid $750 for the rifle and am quite happy with the price. Overhauled 03's and 03-a3's usually have asking prices in the same range, at least here in California. Please feel free to comment. Thanks

Information

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[Rick the Librarian]

Can you post some pictures? The 03A3 bolt is probably correct for mid-range M1903A3s - I'd have to see pictures of the bolt on this rifle to say whether it is correct or not.

[John Wyatt]

Can you post some pictures? The 03A3 bolt is probably correct for mid-range M1903A3s - I'd have to see pictures of the bolt on this rifle to say whether it is correct or not.

Rick, did you mean to say an 03A3 bolt is probably correct in a mid-range 1903? I won't be able to get pictures until at least next weekend, but will try to get some up. How about the pinned, FJA cartouche stock? From the data I found in the past, the FJA cartouche began showing up right around this ser# range.

[Rick the Librarian]

No, a M1903A3 bolt was not used on Remington M1903s at all. Based on your description, the bolt would be been correct for mid-range M1903A3s.

[Harlan (Deceased)]

I would love to see some photos too John. I hope you have time to post them next weekend.

[Alkali]

John - I believe you have a winner in your purchase. Congratulations !

I own a similar Remington 1903 in the 3,185,000 serial range. It has a 7-42 barrel date and the unboxed RLB cartouche. All this is interesting because I used to own a Remington 1903 in the 3,235,000 range which had the FJA cartouche (also without the O3A3 handguard ring cut). It too, had a 7-42 barrel date. The later rifle came with a stamped rear band, which at the time I thought incorrrect. (I've changed my thinking on this point).

I can't be of much assistance on the "correct" bolt for your rifle, but several good photos will get further comments and opinions.

[John Wyatt]

I stripped and cleaned the Remington 03 yesterday, but haven't had a chance to get photos yet. All parts are marked with an R as they should be. I think I may have answered the bolt question. It has an R marked stamped extractor collar, which I don't believe were used until o3-a3 production. Everything else appears to be correct for an 03 in this serial number range. The bore is bright an shiny and the muzzle gauges at a 2. The entire rifle is in very good, original finish, condition. All parts, including the bolt, seem to match the overall condition of the rifle and I am very happy with it.