Thanks for the reply and the welome...Far as I know the handgaurd ring is specific to the a3 so I wasnt thinking that would be an issue. I had also thought that perhaps the handgaurd was the issue, but after sending it back and order a New, Old Stock handgaurd that came up to the same dimensions I am now thinking that it must be that the ring is not seated far enough back, but it will not fit over the front of the reciever. I am stumped. Anyone had any experience in installing that ring please let me know.

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Quote Originally Posted by emmagee1917 View Post
On an 03A3 , the ring is supposed to be against the reciever. On an aside , however , be sure it's a 1903A3 ring and not a M1917 ring. The A3 ring would be marked "R" or "RP" on a Remington and blank on a S/C. The 1917 rings could be marked "R" -Remington again , E- Eddystone, or W-Winhester.
Chris
That is a good point. Didn't think it could be a 1917 ring. Might need to pick up another ring and see if that works. Thanks for the insight!