Questions on markings on a perspective Remington 1903 purchase.

[Rick the Librarian]

The markings (FJA - RA) indicate the stock was taken from a late Remington M1903A3, probably a year later. The rifle is not necessarily a "transitional" rifle, but should have Remington M1903 parts. I can't tell much from the pictures, except that the handguard is also a replacement and the rifle has probably been refinished. If the bore is in good condition, I would think the price is a decent one, but not a steal.

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[Wizard]

The markings (FJA - RA) indicate the stock was taken from a late Remington M1903A3, probably a year later. The rifle is not necessarily a "transitional" rifle, but should have Remington M1903 parts. I can't tell much from the pictures, except that the handguard is also a replacement and the rifle has probably been refinished. If the bore is in good condition, I would think the price is a decent one, but not a steal.

Hi, Thanks for the response. I am a newb to the Rem1903, but saw this on a website say that this serial number 03 would correctly have the FJA RA stamps. You may be familiar with it , but the website looks neat. Look down the page. http://www.trfindley.com/pgsnstmps03.html

How can you tell the handguard is replaced?

[Rick the Librarian]

Hi, Thanks for the response. I am a newb to the Rem1903, but saw this on a website say that this serial number 03 would correctly have the FJA RA stamps. You may be familiar with it , but the website looks neat. Look down the page. http://www.trfindley.com/pgsnstmps03.html

How can you tell the handguard is replaced?

Mr. Findley's knowledge on the Remington M1903 is as faulty as his "restored" stock markings! The RA was not added to Remington M1903s and only to later Remington M1903A3s.

The shape of the handguard is wrong for a Remington M1903 - an original handguard was a slightly modified high hump-type. I can post a picture, if desired.

If you look on either side of the stock nearest the forward end of the receiver, you should see a "slot" on either side. That is for the 03A3 handguard ring, which held the 03A3 handguard in place.

The 11-42 barrel (if a Remington), is probably correct.

[Wizard]

Mr. Findley's knowledge on the Remington M1903 is as faulty as his "restored" stock markings! The RA was not added to Remington M1903s and only to later Remington M1903A3s.

The shape of the handguard is wrong for a Remington M1903 - an original handguard was a slightly modified high hump-type. I can post a picture, if desired.

If you look on either side of the stock nearest the forward end of the receiver, you should see a "slot" on either side. That is for the 03A3 handguard ring, which held the 03A3 handguard in place.

The 11-42 barrel (if a Remington), is probably correct.

Thanks Rick. I am grateful to you guys for saving me from buying a gun that is not all original. I collect many things, and originality is important to me. If it is not too much trouble I would like to take you up on posting the picture of the hand guard. I want to learn as much as possible, as I want one of these fine weapons. Loooking at some photos of some A3's, I am not too sure where that 'slot' is you mentioned. Thanks in advance.