A3 Stock Questions

[Mike D]

Looking at a GB auction reminded me of some questions I've had for a while. Take a look at the stamps on this one and tell me what you think.WWII Era 1903 A3 Bolt Action Rifle-Remington : Bolt Action at GunBroker.com


Pinned stock would be too early for this gun. I'm pretty sure I've seen the larger crossed cannons next to the FJA before, I don't know. FJA without box. Not saying the stamps are fake, but they look funny to me. Also, the flaming shell on the tip of the stock. I thought these were found on replacements?

My A3 stock has FJA INSIDE a box with crossed cannons smaller. Is there a serial # range for these differences?

Auction lists gun as having all Rem parts, but the trigger housing is SC. 9-43 barrel with 4 grooves. My 9-43 barrel has two. Did Rem make 2 and 4-groove barrels concurrently?

Sorry for so many questions. Mike D

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Information

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[Rick the Librarian]

The FJA stamp was used "with" and "without" the box. However, the stamps on this rifle, especially the RA, do look suspicious; also, the RA, to my knowledge, never appeared on a pinned stock that I am aware. The ordnance "gunner's belts" on the rifle also don't look correct to me. I also don't recall an ordnance "bomb" next to the sub-inspection stamps forward of the trigger guard. In fact the sub-inspection marks look suspiciously "fresh" to me. My overall impression is that the stock has been, shall I say, "enhanced". I can say that the ordnance bomb at the foretip is probably legitimate. The SA/SHM I have never seen on a M1903, although it is in the period (1945-47) when there was some rebuilding of M1903A3s going on at Springfield.

I don't remember whether any 4-groove barrels were made by this time - I thought they and the 2-groove barrels were produced concurrently, at least for a while. As Sarco sold many 2-groove barrels with two more "added", you might check that out.

You correctly identified an SC trigger guard.

The metal may be OK, but I think the stock markings are suspect, at least, and are probably fake.

[Chuckindenver]

every stamp on that rifle other then maybe one of the P,s was done by someone other then the military...too bad, nice rifle.

[JGaynor]

Notice how all the markings are virtually identical in terms of wear. Suggests they were applied very recently.
Regarding the 4 groove barrel its possible that it is one of the 2 grooves that had 2 extra grroves added by one of the parts purveyors.

Regards,

Jim

[A. F Medic]

It has been sold. Lots of stamped bling!