Found a 1943 03A3 in a pawn shop

[Rick the Librarian]

Hmmm.... I don't see a subinspector mark within a "diamond" after I enhanced the picture. Could I see a picture of them lower band retaining spring area?

[emmagee1917]

The front " tip " of the cutout for the band spring is what he needs to see . If it is straight like the back leg of a "R" , it's Remington , if it's curved like the lower half of a "S" , it's Smith . Remington had no need to stamp " RA " on their stocks till after Smith came on line .
Chris

[labrat1469]

[Rick the Librarian]

That's a Remington stock - note the squared-off front of the lower band recess. As I recall, it has stock bolts, which is a bit of the mystery. Those Remington stocks having just an FJA usually had stock pins. Maybe some sort of transition stock or a redone Rem. 1903 stock?

[emmagee1917]

I'm not sure . Has anyone seen a pin type A3 stock stamped with the RA ? If so , then this would have to be a reworked '03 ( ie. , the groove for the handguard ring added ) or a modified pin A3 ( a hole saw used to remove the pins and stock bolts inserted ) . If one has not been seen , then a short period of time could exist between the ending of the pins (and restart of the bolts ) and the start of the RA stamp.
Chris

[Rick the Librarian]

That's what I was wondering. I know the replacement of pins with bolts and the addition of the RA stamp occurred very close to each other, but, like a lot of what Remington did, there may have been a "transition" period.

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Very Nice A3 labrat1469. As Rick said, I believe it's been refinished postwar as the majority were. This link may be useful for comparison:

Remington 1903A3 (displaying original configuration and finish)

BTW, Welcome to 1903 forum. I don't think you can find a nicer and knowledgeable group of gentlemen anywhere!

Best regards,
~ Harlan