Questions on markings on a perspective Remington 1903 purchase.

[Wizard]

What is the barrel date? A photo of stock from above the serial number on the receiver will help. This there an "R" mark on the trigger guard? Price is high end. I just looked again at the receiver photo. Appears to be an 03-A3 stock. Not correct. Parts gun?

Believe it or not, on my first brief session with this gun, I didn't take a photo of the barrel date, but believe it was 11-42 and had the flaming bomb. Also have to check the trigger guard and all else. Was looking at the extractor and did not see any R on the side. It may be hiding though. Next session I am bring the good camera with excellent close up skills. Besides the stamping, is there anything else that makes you think it is an A3 stock?

[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.

[Calif-Steve]

Really looks like a clean parts gun. If so, the price is out of line. Stock does not appear to be correct. Finding a nice Remington '03 stock is difficult and expensive. Im guessing, but I expect to see an 03-A3 bolt as they are the most common bolts around.

[Harlan (Deceased)]

TOM FINDLEY is no friend of mine.

[Rick the Librarian]

Here is a picture of a Remington handguard. It is on one of my Red Star rifles, so thus, the red band.



Also posted is a late Remington M1903 with a 03A3 stock mounted. Note the "slots" on either side of the receiver (even with the last digit in the serial number, a "9"). They were for a handguard ring, which held the handguard on a M1903A3.

[Wizard]

Saw the gun tonight, it does have the A3 notches. Question, being that it is a late Remington 03, is it possible that they used A3 stocks at that time?

[Rick the Librarian]

No ... they were still using M1903 stocks at that point. I seem to recall that some 03A3 stocks were used at the very end of production (@ 3,360,000 range) but the stock on this rifle rifle is a LATE 03A3 stock from mid to late 1943 and later. Not even close.

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Rick is correct, Wizzard. If you want an original 1903, or one close to original I'd save the $750 you'd have to spend for this one and keep looking for what you really want.

Don't try to talk yourself into a rifle you won't be happy with later just because it's there. At the price he's asking, you can save a little more and get something you'll really be happy with.

[Wizard]

Yeah thanks, Not trying to talk my self into it, just getting up to speed. I want all original and am prepared to wait. Thanks all for the responses.