What can you tell me about my Remington 1903?

[ArtD]

I have had this 1903 for about 14 years and would like to have it evaluated by people with knowledge of the rifle. I will describe it the best I can. Any feedback on it's history or value would be appreciated.

Receiver serial number is 3070554. A punch mark is located just to the left of the “3”. My research indicates that this rifle was manufactured in April 1942. All parts on this rifle are milled. The barrel is dated 3-42 and has an ”RA” and bomb markings above the barrel date. The bomb marking has a punch mark on it. Under these marks is a “P”. The barrel is bright with strong rifling. It shoots great and groups about 4” at 100 yards with Greek surplus ammo.

The receiver has a parkerized finish and two gas vent holes, a large hole on the left, a small one on the right. The rear receiver hole is drilled and thread all the way through and a bolt stop is present. The bolt is Remington and has an “R” marking. It may be an early A2 type. The extractor ring has an “R” marking. The extractor has a “4” mark on it. The firing mechanism and firing pin are Rem. 03 type. The safety is Rem. with block lettering. The cut-off is Rem. and has an “R” marking. Trigger guard has an “S” marking. Floorplate, follower and lower barrel band have no markings. Magazine spring is “R” marked. Upper band with bayonet lug is “R” marked. Rear sight base collar has no lightening cuts. Rear sight assembly might be a Perry Point with a “db” type marking. The windage knob has an “R” marking.

The stock is sound but has been sanded because the inspector initials and ordinance wheel are faint. Stock is a type S with no finger grooves and two recoil screws. On the left wrist is a light but readable R.L.B. The inspector initials are not in a rectangular box. An “RA-P” is below the inspector initials. A bomb marking is on the fore-end. Numerous other marking are located along the bottom edge of the stock. The butt plate has no markings, but has the 16 lpi pattern.

Here are links to pictures of the rifle: Remington Model 1903

Thanks in advance,

Art

Information

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[Rick the Librarian]

Art, it sounds like your rifle still has some correct/original parts like the stock, but has had others replaced. If the lower band and trigger guard lack the R they are replacements, along with the handguard. The rifle may have been refinished, although I'm not sure the color is from the lighting. The barrel, stock, and perhaps a few other items may be original. A couple of questions:

1) Where is the S on the trigger guard located? This may be an early Springfield, which is a replacement.

2) "Rear sight may be a Perry Point with db markings. Can you describe what you mean by that? An original would have Rs stamped on the right side of the leaf and moveable base. In the pictures the markings on the rear sight is a WWII replacement made by Oneida Limited (OL)

[ArtD]

Rick,

Thank you very much for your response. I have seen many of you postings on the topic of surplus firearms. You are a real value to the C&R collecting community.
The S on the trigger guard is under the floorplate just forward and to the right of the trigger guard.
Regarding the rear sight, I may be mistaken. I was under the impression that the symbol that looks like two upside-down P’s, back to back was for Perry Point.



Art

[Rick the Librarian]

Thanks very much for the (undeserved) praise!

The S-stamped trigger guard is an early Springfield, I believe. Does it have a "bar" on one of the interior ends of the opening for the trigger?

I had already written my "copy" for my response before I looked at your pictures. The rear sight is a WWII replacement and is not original to the rifle.

Nice rifle!

[John Beard]

Comments are as follows:

(1) Your rifle's rear sight is indeed a Perry Pointe replacement from late WWII.
(2) The handguard is a non-Remington replacement.
(3) The bolt assembly is from a Remington '03-A3, except that the bolt sleeve is from a pre-WWII Springfield Armory rifle.
(4) The stock appears to be correct, except that it has a Raritan Arsenal "RA-P" repair re-inspection stamp.
(5) The upper band and windage knob appear to be original.
(6) The magazine cutoff is original.
(7) The buttplate is from a Remington '03-A3.
(8) Your description indicates that the lower band is a non-Remington replacement.
(9) I believe your rifle's trigger guard is a correct Remington trigger guard, but that's something of a guess.
(10) Your description indicates that the floorplate and follower are non-Remington replacements.
(11) The barrel is the original barrel.

And, finally, your rifle appears to be Navy issue.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[ArtD]

John,

Thank you very much for that information. What makes it appear to be a Navy issue? Also, what are the punch marks by the serial number and on the barrel?

Thanks,

Art

[Rick the Librarian]

Always thought that mark on the rear sight was Oneida - thanks for the correction. I guess it comes down to the same thing - a WWII replacement.

[Calif-Steve]

JB: SO who is/was Perry Pointe? Not a familiar manufacturer.

[Rick the Librarian]

Sounds like a 1930s-era radio detective -- "Now tune in next week for the next exciting episode of Perry Pointe, private detective..."

[John Beard]

JB: SO who is/was Perry Pointe? Not a familiar manufacturer.

In 1944, Army Ordnance contracted with Remington, Oneida Limited, and Perry Point (I misspelled it) to manufacture M1903 rear sights as spare replacements for use in overhaul. The trademark you see in ArtD's rear sight is the Perry Point trademark. The trademark appears in at least two different sizes, one of which is quite smaller than the one pictured.

Hope this helps.

J.B.