Remmington 03a3 sniper?

[zadmat]

My father was in the Marines and gave me a Remmington 03A3 and it has parkerized metal on everything, it has the original scope mount but a Redfield 4x scope and the stock has been cut, so missing the upper wood and on barrel and about a foot of it on the end. I shot this rifle a few years ago and at 100 yards the bullet holes actually touched each other, he always said it was extremely accurate. I would like to return to original condition with scope, sling, stock and the piece at the very end of stock that I believe is for a bayonet. Anyone know where I could find original stock? I have tried to research it but maybe it's not worth it, anyone know value? I will try to post pictures, if I can figure it out. The stamp is RA 8 43 and model 3415588 which I believe makes it 1 of 28,000? The metal is in great condition.
I tried to research myself and look for stock, but want to make sure do it right, biggest question, is it worth restoring? I mean if the gun is worth only $500 restored when I am done, maybe I keep it the way it is. The local gun shops here are saying it's only worth $250 $300 as it is, of course they haven't seen it, just described it to them. Also how long does the chrome in barrel last or hold up? Sorry I have a lot of questions. Upon further review it may not be chrome barrel. Also the scope mount says redfield on it.

Information

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[JGaynor]

From the serial number it appears you have an M1903-A4 Sniper's rifle (they were all marked 03-A3).
Yes, it is worth restoring but it won't be easy as original A4 parts like stocks are hard to find and expensive.

The small metal items are not too bad.

[zadmat]

From the serial number it appears you have an M1903-A4 Sniper's rifle (they were all marked 03-A3).
Yes, it is worth restoring but it won't be easy as original A4 parts like stocks are hard to find and expensive.

The small metal items are not too bad.

l

thx, and i am realizing how hard it is and my biggest challenge is the stock and knowing what are the right markings on a stock. I am just learning it all, would anyone know what its worth like it is?

[zadmat]

Attachment 64213Attachment 64214Attachment 64215Attachment 64216Attachment 64217


here are some more pictures

[JGaynor]

Just to give you a bit of a hand there are two government manuals in the sticky section of this forum:

Here are links:
TM 9-1270 U.S. Rifles, Cal .30, M1903, M1903A1, M1903A3, M1903A4 Sniper
TM9-270 U.S. Rifle, Cal. .30, M1903a4 (Sniper's) Characteristics and Operation

The gray parkerized finish of the bolt suggests the rifle was rebuilt at least once. Restoring a rebuilt rifle is easier than trying to get it back to "factory" issue. Also you have the correct bolt. The bolt is worth $500. all by itself.

Regards,

Jim

[Mike D]

I can't tell from the photos or your previous posts, but has the barrel been cut? That can pose a big problem, trying to find an original replacement.

Stocks aren't that bad, but pricey. There are actually two on fleabay now, a C-stock and a Scant. Just search "1903A4". Looks like you have a Scant now, so I would go with that. It is correct for your rebuilt rifle.

How short is the stock now? Grafting a new forend on the butt is a cheaper option, if too much has not been cut off the buttstock.

If the barrel is cut, you could always have a regular A3 barrel installed. Remove the front sight base and have it parked to match. Not correct, but your not hurting the value, and you might learn to live with it until an original passes your way.

Mike

[zadmat]

I can't tell from the photos or your previous posts, but has the barrel been cut? That can pose a big problem, trying to find an original replacement.

Stocks aren't that bad, but pricey. There are actually two on fleabay now, a C-stock and a Scant. Just search "1903A4". Looks like you have a Scant now, so I would go with that. It is correct for your rebuilt rifle.

How short is the stock now? Grafting a new forend on the butt is a cheaper option, if too much has not been cut off the buttstock.

If the barrel is cut, you could always have a regular A3 barrel installed. Remove the front sight base and have it parked to match. Not correct, but your not hurting the value, and you might learn to live with it until an original passes your way.

Mike

I don't believe the barrel is cut as it looks original to me anyway I will post a picture of the end, I know my father owned the gun since leaving the Marines in the 50's and i know for sure he never put a dime into the rifle other than the redfield scope, so if it is rebuilt, it was done prior to him owning it. Would green parkerized fade to a grayish color over time?

the stock appears to only be cut on the forearm side of gun exposing the barrel and the barrel doesn't appear cut to me.

I don't believe the bolt was rebuilt as it shows signs of wear where the metal is coming through the picture doesn't due it justice as the light makes it look gray but it does match the color of the rest of metal, how else could i tell if it was rebuilt?Attachment 64218Attachment 64219Attachment 64220Attachment 64221

[zadmat]

Just to give you a bit of a hand there are two government manuals in the sticky section of this forum:

Here are links:
TM 9-1270 U.S. Rifles, Cal .30, M1903, M1903A1, M1903A3, M1903A4 Sniper
TM9-270 U.S. Rifle, Cal. .30, M1903a4 (Sniper's) Characteristics and Operation

The gray parkerized finish of the bolt suggests the rifle was rebuilt at least once. Restoring a rebuilt rifle is easier than trying to get it back to "factory" issue. Also you have the correct bolt. The bolt is worth $500. all by itself.

Regards,

Jim

thx for the links it will come in handy and for the time to respond. A quality gun stock is hard to find.

[vintage hunter]

I don't believe the barrel is cut

It's not.

I don't believe the bolt was rebuilt as it shows signs of wear

Naturally, it's been used since the last rebuild. As Jim says the grey park suggests it was rebuilt. Remington bolts were either blued or black parked from the factory, IIRC.

[zadmat]

Oh I thought the rebuilds were blued or black when rebuilt on a green parkerized gun? I guess I need to do more research, I always thought a green parkerized gun had all metal match if was original. Thanks