Questions on markings on a perspective Remington 1903 purchase.

[Wizard]

HI, New to the forum.

I am considering purchasing what looks to be a very nice late issue Rem. 1903.
THe seller is a friend so I will have access to it for better photos in the next few days, but just snapped a few with my phone to begin my research.

The serial number jives with the FJA and RA on the stock. The odd letters are the FFF and 002 on the opposite side of the stock.

Anyone know what this means?

In my first once over, I could not find an "R" on the extractor. It may be hidden by dried grease and will be examining all sides of that extractor more carefully next time. But here is a broader question:

Exactly what parts on this rifle should have an "R" on them? WHat parts are acceptable without one (without affecting value)?

Lastly for this post, the sling looks to be very original, and bares a faint 1942 stamped into it.
(Not pictured) Does this look to be an orig?

Information

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[Wizard]

Another thought: I know this is a late Remington, but is this considered a transitional gun? If so, should it have all the same "R" markings as earlier Rem models?

[Calif-Steve]

It looks Ok to me. Many of these went to the US Navy, perhaps Navy markings on stock? What is asking price?

[Wizard]

I will post more detailed pics soon of all the markings etc. He wants $750.

[Wizard]

In the picture of the whole rifle, I had the bolt out, it is not missing. Nothing is dinged up or worn. No major problems with the stock, in fact it is in nice shape. Love the sling. (Stamped 1942)

[Mike D]

Looks like a nice rifle. How is the bore? The M1907 sling adds $100, if in good shape. Looks like you have alot of milled parts there, might be original, might not. Most all of the parts should be marked "R". Is the trigger guard marked?

Is the stock relieved for the A3 handguard ring?

Even if a few parts are not original, the rifle looks good. If the bore is nice, I would have not problem with a $750 pricetag.

Welcome to the forum!

[Rick the Librarian]

The markings (FJA - RA) indicate the stock was taken from a late Remington M1903A3, probably a year later. The rifle is not necessarily a "transitional" rifle, but should have Remington M1903 parts. I can't tell much from the pictures, except that the handguard is also a replacement and the rifle has probably been refinished. If the bore is in good condition, I would think the price is a decent one, but not a steal.

[Wizard]

The markings (FJA - RA) indicate the stock was taken from a late Remington M1903A3, probably a year later. The rifle is not necessarily a "transitional" rifle, but should have Remington M1903 parts. I can't tell much from the pictures, except that the handguard is also a replacement and the rifle has probably been refinished. If the bore is in good condition, I would think the price is a decent one, but not a steal.

Hi, Thanks for the response. I am a newb to the Rem1903, but saw this on a website say that this serial number 03 would correctly have the FJA RA stamps. You may be familiar with it , but the website looks neat. Look down the page. http://www.trfindley.com/pgsnstmps03.html

How can you tell the handguard is replaced?

[Wizard]

Looks like a nice rifle. How is the bore? The M1907 sling adds $100, if in good shape. Looks like you have alot of milled parts there, might be original, might not. Most all of the parts should be marked "R". Is the trigger guard marked?

Is the stock relieved for the A3 handguard ring?



Welcome to the forum!

HI, THe bore looks great. Don't know which is the A3 handguard ring. (Newb alert.) I really need to study up as I want an original gun as possible. I posted above a website that talks about the stamping. Interesting web site being he shows the stamps and all. I am going to have a long tear down photo session with this gun , if the owner can tolerate my pickiness. Thanks for responding.

[Calif-Steve]

What is the barrel date? A photo of stock from above the serial number on the receiver will help. This there an "R" mark on the trigger guard? Price is high end. I just looked again at the receiver photo. Appears to be an 03-A3 stock. Not correct. Parts gun?