1903/03A3 parts questions

[Calfed]

I recently purchased a collection of parts at an on-line estate sale.




I was primarily interested in the 03/A3 straight stock and the 1903 barrel. The .308 Mauser barreled action and maple stock was a sort of bonus.

I noted that the rear sight base has been removed from the 03 barrel. I'm wondering what kind of job it is to re-install the rear sight base and how common that part is.

I'm also looking at a new sale that has this listing:





The listing says that it is a 24" 1903/03A3 sport barrel that has a blue finish.

There is this additional descriptive data: "Markings on the barrel include "-3006-" and
"A17". There are no proof dates. The barrel has a timing mark near the threads
and two pin slots; one near the muzzle as if for a front sight base and one
about 4" from the threads".

I asked for further information and was advised that "near the muzzle is a rounded slot that is perpendicular to the bore. Looks like its for a pin for front sight attachment". The consignor believes that it is an aftermarket, not military barrel.

Does anyone have an opinion about what this barrel is? It sure looks and sounds like a military 1903 barrel that was polished and blued. There is a notch that looks a lot like a rear sight base pin slot in one of the pictures.

Any opinions are welcome.

Information

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[Chuckindenver]

i have a couple sight bases, might sell one.. and i also sell a tool that makes the installation much easier, the blued barrel, looks to be an 03 barrel, thats had the base removed, and then blued, and removed hard,
the A17 is likely a steel lot code, and might be a RIA barrel. maybe John Beard can narow that steel lot dowm.
might ask for the length, and the markings about an inch below the muzzle, and a picture of that area...see if the ground off the sight key.

[Calfed]

Length is listed as 24" and there are supposedly no proof marks or dates. Only visible marks are the ones listed.

I wondered if the "rounded slot that is perpendicular to the bore" is the front sight keyway.

[Chuckindenver]

yes the {slot} is from the pin the hold the base on..if no markings are present, then they were polished off...

[Calfed]

So...no doubt in your mind that this is a polished and blued military barrel? I did determine that it came off a sporterized 1903 Springfield.

[Chuckindenver]

without a doubt,,,yes, its a 1903 springfield barrel that has had the sight base removed, and been polished and blued..then removed with a bench vice.

[John Beard]

i have a couple sight bases, might sell one.. and i also sell a tool that makes the installation much easier, the blued barrel, looks to be an 03 barrel, thats had the base removed, and then blued, and removed hard,
the A17 is likely a steel lot code, and might be a RIA barrel. maybe John Beard can narow that steel lot dowm.
might ask for the length, and the markings about an inch below the muzzle, and a picture of that area...see if the ground off the sight key.

A17 is a 1942 Remington M1903 barrel.

J.B.

[Calfed]

Thanks, guys for the info.

One other quick question: Are the pinned stocks "weaker" and more subject to recoil damage than the cross bolt variety?

Thanks

[Rick the Librarian]

Yes, that's what they went back to stock bolts. Unless there is a crack started already, I would doubt you'd have trouble with an occasional trip to the range with a pinned stock.

[Calfed]

Thanks, guys for the info.

I did win the blued 03 barrel. I'll post better pics when it arrives.

Rick, I am planning to put this sport stocked 03A3 into the pinned stock




It is serial number 37386xx--which appears to be period correct for pinned stocks.