Just got a sweet 1903A3

[browningautorifle]

So, let me hazard a guess,

I don't know...it COULD be a range rifle I guess but as suggested, it should show comparable wear everywhere. I had a Lee Enfield once that showed an almost worn out commencement and the rest of the rifle was very good. See if you can get the bore gauges to check throat and muzzle wear? Curious...