Remington 03 not rearsenaled?

[mauser202]

I dont know much about these as I normaly collect Mausers. I am looking at a Remington 03,ser #319xxxx that looks like old worn blueing on all metal.The barrel is dated 42 with a bomb on it.
Nothing looks to be parkerized. I thought they were parked if rearsenaled. The stock is walnut, straight and has no finger grooves. The only stock stamp I saw was a "P" under the wrist. The gun looks like it hasnt been out of a closet for many years. The bore is pristine. Is it worth $500?
Thanks for any help.

Information

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[Mike D]

Pics needed for value. Rem. 1903 receivers had a blackish parkerizing. None were blued.

[mauser202]

Thanks, I cant get pics because it is in a shop. Do you think 500 is too much in general.

[Lancebear]

Mauser,

Checked Vishooter's site. Get familiar with that if you want to fool with '03's.

The receiver was probably made in August '42, and if the barrel is a Remington, RA over the shell, and dated say 5-42, it's probably the original barrel. And with a fine bore that is a very good thing. Straight stock, no GG either Remington or SC.

IF, the wood is in good condition, metal is not pitted and rusty, rifle is tight, has lots of R's on the parts, that would be a good deal for five. All milled parts would be a part of the deal also, especially the trigger guard. Stamped guard...I don't know.

No markings on the stock could also be a good thing, but lack of photos...

Your call. Hope my thoughts help. If ya' buy it, post some photos.

Lancebear

[Rick the Librarian]

Here are some "specifics" to look for (and hopefully, report back):

1) look on the right side of the rifle - look for an "R" on the upper band, lower band (if it has a U stamp, look just above that) and the trigger guard (on the rear of the "bow" where it meets the woodline).

2) Does the rear of the handguard have a pronoiced "hump" or is the profile fairly straight?

If you paid $500, unless there is a "problem" (like a bad bore, cracked stock, etc.) I think you did all right.

[Mike D]

Yeh, $500 is OK if it is in decent original condition. Just make sure the "old, worn blueing" that you talked about is not on the receiver. That would easily cut the value in half. The rest of the metal should be. Like Lancbear said, hopefully there are some milled parts in the mix. Good luck.

If stock is not original it could effect alot of the value. I think RLB should be stamped on your stock. If the P is all you see, it could have been sanded? Just thinking.

[mauser202]

O.K., I looked at it again today, Front sight has an R and the little metal thing, barrel is 7-42 RA, receiver is more black than what I first thought not blue, bolt blued with an R undernieth, safety has an R,but cap is checkered no R on it or in the door, trigger gaurd is stamped but patina matches everything else. Stock is blank except for a P and a small S in a circle.
I only want to get this if it is and original period gun, so for now I am waiting until I find enough info on the web to make a good call.
Thanks for all the help

[Mike D]

Barrel seems to be original, but the stock should have RLB, with no box, and crossed cannons.

It may be a "put together" gun. I think it should have some milled parts (trigger guard, lower and upper bands). Just my opinions. Mike

[mauser202]

Mike D,
Thanks for the replies, I am passing on it.

[JGaynor]

Mauser, TM 9-1270 ordnance maintenance US rifle Cal .30 M1903, M1903A1, m1903A3 and M1903A4 Jan 1944 states on page 12.

"Note: Parts of the rifle M1903A3 which vary in design may be found in recently manufactured M1903 and M1903A1 Rifles, provided they are interchangeable."

This basically was an instruction to the people charged with fixing these rifles to the effect "if you note a minor variation in the parts of some of these new wartime rifles well - don't worry about it".

Naturally if you feel uneasy may be giving it a pass is best in the long run. But most US rifles that were actually used by somebody have been updated, repaired, modified or totally rebuilt at some point in time. Its just part of their history.

Regards,

Jim