Remington 03a3 Stock marking question

[bczandm]

Is the RA a rebuilt stamp or a Remington stamp. I don't think this rifle is rebuilt, but the RA has me wondering. I bought it as I thought it was a pretty clean rifle and not a rebuild. See photo link, the receiver is in the 4.1 million range and the barrel is dated 12/43 which seems correct. Also the P on the stock has a #2 right next to is, what does that mean?

Additionally the guy that I got this from has a Smith Corona that had a stock that was as new with the SA mark but no other markings. I assume it was a replacement stock as the rest of the gun was clearly rebuilt but was wondering if I am correct on that. No P, cross cannons or anything else on the stock, a C stock that was clearly old.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h7...psdubpwu3k.jpg

Information

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[Tom in N.J.]

That's a Remington factory stamp. Raritan Arsenal re-build/inspection stamps seen on DCM '03A3s read 'RA-P'.

[Rick the Librarian]

RA = Remington Arms (always unboxed) Only used as an "original" stamp

RA-P = Raritan Arsenal (sometimes unboxed and sometimes not). Either a rebuild or inspection stamp.

Was the SA in a partial box?

[bczandm]

RA = Remington Arms (always unboxed) Only used as an "original" stamp

RA-P = Raritan Arsenal (sometimes unboxed and sometimes not). Either a rebuild or inspection stamp.

Was the SA in a partial box?

Yes, the it was S.A. with a box on three sides, but not the bottom. It was just the two letters and it was in the wide area at the rear of the stock. Very odd looking as the stock was as new but had oxidation from time. I've worked with wood for 23 years as a career and it was clearly older, I'd bet at least 20-30 years but of course hard to say.

Edit (photo of SA) :
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h7...psqbk2lxqa.jpg

Anyone have any ideas on the P with the 2 next to it?

[Rick the Librarian]

Open box SA stamps usually were applied after a post-WWII refit or inspection. They usually have a single small letter below the SA but I have seen a couple without, like yours.

[bczandm]

Open box SA stamps usually were applied after a post-WWII refit or inspection. They usually have a single small letter below the SA but I have seen a couple without, like yours.

Since there are no other marks on the stock does that mean that it is a replacement stock? The metal was clearly refinished and had substantial pitting is some areas.

[Rick the Librarian]

Probably ...

[bczandm]

Thanks Rick!