1903A3 Remington

[EddieB]

I am looking for a value on this firearm and some help in making sense of my observations. Please let me know if I need to move post to the standard form.

1903A3, serial number dated to 11/43 with a RA barrel dated 9/43. 2 grove barrel. Blued bolt, bands and nose cap (the bolt is missing it was stripped). Stock is in great shape, has RA, FJA and cannons, cross bolts, does not appear to be refinished. Band spring cutout looks to be Remington (I beleive). I do not see any arsenal stamps on the stock. All parts that I have seen are "R" marked.

Now what is bothering me is:
The receiver and barrel have a dark gray (almost black) not the greenish park that I would have hoped to see. Any thoughts on this?
Is the blued front band correct? I thought it should be parked as well.

For the most part I would say it appears to be correct, but want the options of other smarter then I. Thanks for any input.

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Information

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[Salt Flat]

Eddie, That is a fantastic looking rifle. The stock is super crisp and metal parts unworn. I have an 03a3 that has an almost black finish like that. Do a search of this site (see vbulletin search in upper right corner of this page)--search 03a3 finishes or 03a3 black oxide. I think this topic has been discussed here several times. Nice find! Salt Flat

[EddieB]

That is a fantastic looking rifle. The stock is super crisp and metal parts unworn. I have an 03a3 that has an almost black finish like that. Do a search of this site -search 03a3 finishes or 03a3 black oxide. I think this topic has been discussed here several times. Nice find!

Thanks Salt Flat. Can't wait to take her out. All the searching I have done says the greenish finish is correct (and that it was caused by a cosmoline dip). I am thinking this gun has not been referbed, just didn't sit in cosmo.

[AFJon]

Eddie,

Only thing I see missing is the screw in your front band. Was it out for some reason when you took the pictures?

[EddieB]

Eddie,

Only thing I see missing is the screw in your front band. Was it out for some reason when you took the pictures?

I have the screw, just was stripped when I removed it. Looking for a replacement.

[milboltnut]

Proof circle size? Smaller diameter is R.. larger one is SC. Firing pin assembly is late 03.... early A3. http://www.vishooter.net/m1903/REM_FPNS.JPG

I'd say around 1K maybe a little less...need more pics... strip rifle for correct parts. It's been rebuilt.. RA cartouche along with Atwood.. indicates that. But overhaul would all be parked parts.

This is original........ https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=19134

[EddieB]

Proof circle size? Smaller diameter is R.. larger one is SC. Firing pin assembly is late 03.... early A3.

I'd say around 1K maybe a little less...need more pics... strip rifle for correct parts. It's been rebuilt.. RA cartouche along with Atwood.. indicates that. But overhaul would all be parked parts.

This is original........ https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=19134

Thanks for the reply milbolnut. That is a great thread, I found that earlier and never noticed the bolt difference. Here are a few more pictures

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[milboltnut]

The marks on the bolt and stock... numbers and letters are inspector marks which really doesn't mean anything but they've been inspected. The barrel mark is intriguing though.... Get ahold of John Beard on that one on Jouster or CMP maybe even here.

[Detroit-1]

Proof circle size? Smaller diameter is R.. larger one is SC. Firing pin assembly is late 03.... early A3. http://www.vishooter.net/m1903/REM_FPNS.JPG

I'd say around 1K maybe a little less...need more pics... strip rifle for correct parts. It's been rebuilt.. RA cartouche along with Atwood.. indicates that. But overhaul would all be parked parts.

This is original........ https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=19134

The RA is for Remington not a rebuild mark.

[Chuckindenver]

RA is Remington Arms, likely the bolt is a replacement, safety sleeve has been reblued at some point, as the safety sleeve lock is blued, and should be natural finish, letters and numbers on the barrel are a steel heat lock code, still ok. looks like it had a sight protector removed harshly at some point, the bayonet lug may have been replaced as you know the stamped ones strip easy, originally by this serial they were mostly parkerized finish, as well as the stacking swivel and band, . finish looks good, id say, 750 to 800.00 for a retail value,
keep in mind, many A3s had parts replaced during service if they were ever issued to anyone. most A3s saw service with support troops or state side guard units,