Unissued 03A3?

[Calfed]

Two years ago I won this Remington 1903A3 at an on-line estate sale. At the time it was described as "Excellent +" and "as new". When I received it, I noted that it was in great condition and entertained the possibility that it was actually "unissued". Metal is perfect, wood near perfect. Just a few tiny nicks in the handguard. Very hard to do the wood justice with my camera.

All the parts that I can see have "R" stamped on them, except the rear sling swivel, which has the "RP" stamp. In the pictures, the safety looks like it is parked, but is in fact a slightly different color blue than the rest of the blued parts.















The only indication of a trip to the arsenal is an unboxed "OG" on the left side of the stock. A few people that I've talked to indicate that it is possible that it received that upon arrival at the Ogden arsenal and that it does not necessarily indicate a rebuild.

I guess my question is this-Were there instances of late production 03A3's never being issued and then subsequently being sold to the public? Could this be one?

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[Tom Bowers]

I am no expert, but I too have a Remington 03A3 in like new condition, as well as a Smith Corona in similar condition. The unissued topic has been debated many times on various forums. The rifles in this condition apparently are uncommon but not necessarily rare.
The consensus on OG mark is as you said probably noting only that the rifle went through the facility and was not rebuilt. All correct parts and finish certainly confirms that to me.
You have a beautiful rifle, now you must search for its cousin, the SC in like condition, hehe. They are out there. Enjoy they are amazing pieces of work in that condition.

[Calfed]

I would love to see pics of your SC. I've looked for one in this condition for some time now.

[Tom Bowers]

I will do just that, I think I have some on my pc at home. Made need new ones to show the SC as nicely as you have the Rem. I will try to get them up in the next day or so. I will let you know when.

[USSR]

The 03-A3 is about the only U.S. martial arm that you are likely to find in unissued condition. I have an unissued Smith-Corona in such condition, with it's barrel full of cosmoline.

Don

[Rick the Librarian]

Although I have problems with the term "unissued" or (even more!) "unfired", I know that a number of M1903A3s went almost straight from production into reserve or storage.

Going to an arsenal did not mean a rifle was rebuilt, especially in the case of these M1903A3s. They were often just checked for function, stamped and sent on their way. I have seen a large number of M1903A3s with an OG, the post-WWII inspection stamp of Ogden Arsenal, in Utah.

I believe John Beard has said that the later Remington M1903A3s had Parkerized safeties.

Beautiful rifle, by the way, Calfed!!

[kragluver]

My 03A3 looks as yours does in the photos except my stock looks like it was sanded at some point in its career. The cartouches are all there, but a little faint. Mine does not have any arsenal stamp on it, although I've wondered if it may have been sanded off. She sure does shoot well - rivals my Krag for most accurate MILSURP in the gun cabinet

[Calif-Steve]

Unissued, for sure. No GI finger (or boot) prints on it. A nice find.

[Chuckindenver]

nice rifle.. good pic of the rear sight...answered some questions iv been searching on finish...

[JGaynor]

[QUOTEI guess my question is this-Were there instances of late production 03A3's never being issued and then subsequently being sold to the public? Could this be one?[/QUOTE]

I'd go with the others and say yes.

More than likely it went to Ogden in its original crate of 10 rifles. Was inspected, maybe cleaned. put up in preservative (cosmoline) and stored until it was sold.

Very nice example indeed!

Regards,

Jim