1903a3

[ddg1000]

I just purchased a Remington 1903a3 in very nice condition. but it does have some quirks. The Muzzle is threaded with 1/2-28 threads to the front of the frontsight . The front sight blade is taller than any I have ever seen and is made from shiny metal either nickel or stainless. I had an old Herter's muzzle break so I put that on to keep the threads. Does anybody know if this rifle was ever issued with a threaded muzzle? Could the high front sight blade been necessary to sight over whatever device was intended to be used? Or did I just by a mongrol that just happens to dead on accurate at close range. btw it,s got the most amazingly smooth trigger,

Information

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[Rick the Librarian]

Your M1903A3 was modified after it left the military. M1903A3s used to be relatively cheap (as little as $14.50 through the DCM) and very plentiful.

Still posting pictures would be a start.

[emmagee1917]

I'm guessing it was done for a suppressor with a higher front sight to clear the can ( depending on how high high is ) . That thread size is more modern than the period that rifle was used in , so I'd bet civilian mod. Rifle rounds don't suppress well unless loaded to sub-sonic , loosing most of thier power .
There are pics of '03s with suppressors on them from WW2 . The supersonic crack of a bullet passing by you without the rifle's crack will sound like it's comming from where it is going often .
Chris

[Rick the Librarian]

I would bet more likely a muzzle brake, rather than a suppressor. Again, almost 100% that it was done by a former civilian owner.

[WarPig1976]

Muzzle brake? Bubba was reading Tacticool gun rags again. Surprised the barrel isn't free floated or there's no evidence of where he glued a laser on the fore end.

[Rick the Librarian]

I've seen it done ... I don't know WHY it was done, but I've seen it done!

[gary999]

I've seen it done ... I don't know WHY it was done, but I've seen it done!

OK. Old thread. I get it.

Herters made a slide on and Allen wrench screw "muzzle brake" , as well as others,for hiding the ridge on military rifles during the "Bubba"era. 1.5 to 2 inches could have been cut off the barrel and crowned but the thinking was it was better to keep the 2"s.

Yes, 1903xxxx were less than $20 through CMP. Same for 1911's and M1 carbines. This is mid 50's. Keep in mind that $20 is worth $185 today. Plus the rifles needed to be Bubba'ed.

My Dad was a student at Alabama in the 50's. Rufus Deal was the head of the state NG rifle team in Tuscaloosa and they became friends. Rufus built 2 rifles for my Dad.

One was a 1944 1903A3 receiver with a 4 groove 1943 SC, Smith Corona, barell. The DOD allowed contractors to go to 2 groove during 1943 to increase production. Most 1903xxx rifles then were used for guard duty or to drop to resistance forces. My Dad never used the gun. I have been using it for 40 years as my go to rifle. Sporter stock, Timney trigger, Luepold VX 3 2.5x8 scope. Matte finish. Sub 1 moa groups with 150 gr. Winchester Power Points. And the fake muzzle brake.

Rufus also built my Dad a 1903 30-338 Win Mag sporter. It has never been shot since getting it. Including my Dad who passed in 2010. The 30-338 wildcat was used in military competition shoots for some period of time. Thinking about reviving it with reduced loads.

I also have another sporterized 03 I bought as is and it is a 1 moa gun. Also have an A3 action I may get built out.

I had a Bubba'ed 1909 Argentine Mauser built in .270. Sub 1 moa also. Richard's Micro fit stock. Timmney trigger, Luepold.

As a side note Rufus had an unlimited access to .30 match ammo. He would file the end and drill out to a hollow point. Very effective and accurate.

So, I get the Bubba reference. I have never cut up an original nor would I. I do have an affinity though for bubba'ed guns.

[migunshooter]

I wish these 03a3 rifles were an easy find still

[tomwatts]

About looking for 1903's

Some dude on Armory.Auction has a 1903A3 Smith Corona up for bid, and says he's going to put a bunch more up soon!

Just saying.

[Cosine26]

Here is a picture of a M1917 trigger. I do not have a M1903/03A3 trigger for comparison but I put a ruler down so you could see the size. From your picture, I believe that you have a M1903/03A3 trigger manufactured by Remington (the "R" stamp is the clue). Note that the M1917 trigger is thinner where it enters the sear, but there is a step at the bottom to fit the trigger guard-why? I do not know. The Brits sometimes design some odd things.
Hope this helps. I still believe that our receiver has been altered to accommodate the Tmney trigger.
FWIW
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