My 88 mystery

[John Beard]

Thanks very much for all the interesting info and opinions. I never knew that Navy/Marines didn't mark their rifles... that's good to know. I'm thinking of just swapping the bolts to make the 03A3 correct. The R marked bolt currently in the 03 has a safety with FIRE / SAFE stamped with a serif font. Can someone tell me if that would be correct for this 03A3?

Would anyone care to offer an opinion on the best book for identifying parts and providing detailed information about the 03/03A3? I want to learn more about these and possibly add a few more Remington variations to the safe. The 1903 book I have seems to be not quite thorogh enough, and possibly in error on a couple of things.

The safety lock you describe with "FIRE/SAFE" both in serifed letters (and marked "R" on the rear face) is not contemporary with your '03-A3's serial number. The safety lock comes from a much earlier rifle. The correct safety lock for your '03-A3 would have "FIRE" in serifed letters and "SAFE" in block letters.

The Remington reference book you seek is yet to be written. In the meantime, feel free to come here and ask.

J.B.