03a3 stock

[ranger]

OOPS !!
Forgot from last post..
Also have an 03A3 straight stock with pins instead of cross
bolts. A friend seems to think it may be an " early "
replacement stock. Is this correct ???
Thanks again
Richard

Information

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[Rick the Librarian]

Actually, pinned stocks were for production purposes and used on early Remington and Smith Corona M1903A3s; if it is lacking the recess for the 03A3 handguard ring, it may be from a late Remington M1903.

[ranger]

Thanks for getting back to me Rick,
Now I need more info....Also on the stock there are several
cartouche stampings, 1st. on the left side, directly above the trigger are the letters "FJA"(very faint) within a rectangle, on the butt, about where your cheek would rest,
the letters "OG" also within a rectangle. Directly forward of the floor plate are the numbers 90 within a triangle, 5 within a circle and 25 also within a circle, it has the usual
"P" within a circle on the underside of the wrist, and on the left side, near the buttplate, the letters "SS" , considerably
larger than the others..
Thanks again Rick, I really appreciate your help.
Regards,
Richard

[Rick the Librarian]

1. FJA - Frank J. Atwood, who commanded the Rochester Ordnance District, which contained Remington, Smith Corona and other ordnance plants. His stamp appeared on late Remington M1903s and nearly all 03A3s.

2. OG - Ogden Arsenal [Utah], post WWII. Very common on M1903A3s. A sign that the rifle was inspected or overhauled.

3. The numbers forward of the recess for the trigger guard are subinspection stamps from when the rifle the stock was mounted, was manufactured.

4. The P inside a circle is from original production and indicated the rifle passed a proof-firing test.

5. The meaning for "SS" has not been determined, that I can remember; it has turned up on a few M1903s and M1903A3s.

[Chuckindenver]

SS
servicable surplus