Remington A303

[byronroland]

Is this Remington a good original? I am interested in finding a good high quality one. Have Garrand, M1 Carbine, AR (represent M16) and would like to complete the group. The Garrand and Carbine are Winchester.

I just do not know enough to insure it is what it says it is?

Springfield Remington 03A3 03 A3 Rifle 9-43 MINT : Curios and Relics at GunBroker.com


When I look at the pictures of the A303 posted here, they are very close.

Comments. Educate.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Chuckindenver]

heres is discrition//
Looking for older 1903's so time to make room. Truly unissued rifle. Pictures dont do it justice. NEVER through an arsenal rebuild or cleaning. Has basic handling marks only and not much of that. Wood had sharp proofs and crossed cannons. ALL Remington parts just as it left the factory. Most all aspects of the rifle are as new. Wood even has the original factory sealer. This is near impossible to upgrade. Great blued parts and period green receiver and barrel (2 grove) loos as new. Blued bolt, bands, butt plate and trigger guard. Not even a primer ring on the bolt face or ejector runner on the bolt body. NO cracks or repairs to the walnut stock & guard.

heres what i have an issue with,,,i dont see any blue parts, could be his dark pics, but all look parkerized...
the unissued thing kinda make the hairs stick up on my neck...just didnt really happen.
however, it apears to be a nice, correct rifle thats been through the rebuild.
is it unissed???doubt it,,is it nice??very, id have no problem buying that rifle, and right now its a very fair price, no reserve, the way the auction should be,
good feedback..
maybe ask for some better pics with more light, as the parts look parked to me, not blue.
id say, a better discription? unissued since rebuild, and still with the packing.
though they are hard to find that clean, they really arent real rare..

[Mike D]

That is a very nice rifle! Awesome wood! Like the guy said, hard to upgrade. Parts all look blued to me. Trigger guard looks funny in the one pic, but his pics are dark. He says they're all blue, so... I wouldn't have any problem bidding on that gun. Be prepared to pay at least $750, my guess. Barrel seems a little early for the serial #, but not a big stretch.

[Calif-Steve]

I think the trigger guard should be blued. Looks Ok in the photos, can't tell for sure. I would think it should fetch $750.00 or more at a show. So why hasn't it been shown at a show? I would like to examine it in person. This is being sold by a DEALER. Not a private party. Better look at some of his feedback. Might avoid this one.

[ppknut]

I am by no means an expert, but I will pass along some info I was told about my 03A3. The trigger guard appears to be a Smith Corona manufacture because of it's asymmetrical shape. Original Remington trigger guards are more oval and relatively symmetrical.

If true, it would not be "original" and was probably rebuilt/refurbished at some time.

That being said, it is a very nice example and I wouldn't hesitate to purchase at the current price (I've paid more).

[Chuckindenver]

trigger guard is a Remington..
SC have a smiley face below the front guard screw, Remingtons dont.
check the picture on the posts attached,,,shows a nice close up of the front guard screw for a SC.
New Smith Corona 03A3 - Page 2 - Military Surplus Collectors Forums

[Scott M.]

I've been watching that same auction - but, once I took a look at some of the feedback left for him by buyers, and more specifically his responses to unhappy customers, it makes me a bit nervous.....but then again I'm a nervous wreck most of the time anyway !

[ppknut]

trigger guard is a Remington..
SC have a smiley face below the front guard screw, Remingtons dont.
check the picture on the posts attached,,,shows a nice close up of the front guard screw for a SC.
New Smith Corona 03A3 - Page 2 - Military Surplus Collectors Forums

You're right about the smiley face. I completely forgot about that.

I am still curious about the two shapes of trigger guards that are found on the A3's. I have two Remingtons and each has a different shaped guard.

[JGaynor]

You're right about the smiley face. I completely forgot about that.

I am still curious about the two shapes of trigger guards that are found on the A3's. I have two Remingtons and each has a different shaped guard.

By mid-43 the 03-A3 magazine box assembly was modified to the extent that the trigger guard bow was opened up to something approximating the m1917 trigger guard profile. The intention was to make the rifle more readily used if the shooter was wearing heavy gloves.

Regards,

Jim

[John Beard]

The rifle appears 100% correct and original. Go for it!

Good Luck!

J.B.