Remington 1903A3 looks new

[phbilly]

Hi all, I have a Remington 1903A3 that looks new. I cleaned the cosmoline out of it. Has all Remington parts that look like new. Not even a ding on the stock. Serial # 39346XX. Barrel is dated 12-43. Arsenal rebuild since it has an "OG" stamped on left side of stock. My question is, did Ogden replace all parts or only those that are needed. If I didn't know what "OG" stood for, I would think that this was a brand new rifle. Any thoughts on this matter?

Information

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[Johnny Peppers]

It appears that everything that went through Ogden Arsenal got stamped whether it was rebuilt or not. Most were rebuilt, but some were not.

[phbilly]

The bluing/parker dosen't have a flaw and all markings are there. I just couldn't understand it but I'm not complaining!

[Kirk]

Congratulations! Finding one like that is a grand occasion! The closest I ever came to something like that was a late A3 with VG-Ex metal blued/parked as it should be with a stock that had been stained black in a couple spots (used motor oil?) on other wise medium color wood and then varnished.

[Calfed]

I have a Remington 03A3 in very similar condition.

What kind of cartouches/inspection marks does yours have? What type of stock (straight, scant or C)? Is the metal blued, parkerized or a combination?

The answers to those questions will help answer your question

[Calfed]

Here are a few pics of my "unissued" (?) 03A3. For clarification, not to hijack your thread..

[phbilly]

Hi Calfed, Sorry for the late reply but have been away. All parts are blued save for the barrel and reciever. Has an oiled, straight stock. All cartouches are correct according to what I have found on the web. 2 circles, 1 square and 1 triangle front of floor plate. RA with crossed canons and FJA in rectangle on left side. RA with flaming bomb with 12-43 on top of barrel. P on underside. P in circle rear of triger guard. I was told by seller that it is unfired. If that was true, it now has 60 rds through it. Any other info would be appreciated! Beauitiful rifle you have there!

[rayg]

Sounds like it was only inspected and stamped as such by the arsenal. Generally if it was refurbed there would be some parked parts beside the receiver and barrel on it. Nice looking rifle, Ray

[Calfed]

Billy, from your description, your rifle sounds a lot like mine.

I found this information in Canfield's 1903 book, on page 132:


"Some of these rifles were in new condition when they were received by the ordnance facility and may have only received an inspection and stamped with the initials of the ordnance facility. Apparently Ogden Arsenal (Utah) performed such inspections on large numbers of new or near new '03A3 rifles. It is not uncommon to find rifles in pristine condition with an "OG" stamp on the stock, but which, otherwise, remain in their original factory condition

[phbilly]

Great information! That clears up a lot of questions. I couldn't understand the fact of no metal or stock scratches. Sounds like it might not be worth as much with the OG, but I have no desire to sell it anyway. It's nice to know that I was able to buy a new war era rifle. Much thanks!