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Thread: 03A3 Rear Sight Question

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    03A3 Rear Sight Question

    Well, evidently I violated some sort of "forum by-law" by posting this message in the wrong spot, my humble apologies! So. here is my question again:

    Hey guys, I'm new to the group! I have a Remington 1903A3 that was given to me by a WWII Marine. Its dated 1942. The only problem is that the previous owner removed the rear sight and placed a rail for a scope mount. I know, I know, it killed me!! Anyway, my question is, is there anyway to install/place the rear sight back on the rifle? From the looks of it, it looks like the rear sight was cut smooth off. Crazy, I know!!! Thanks guys!
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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

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    Legacy Member Salt Flat's Avatar
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    RPM, Possibly, but first we need to know what the modified area looks like. Is the flat still there or was the rear bridge radiused to match the front. A picture would help. Since it is already drilled, you might consider just using the scope mount and create a faux 1903a4. Salt Flat

    Also, Are you sure it was cut off? The rear sight slides onto a dove tail on the rear bridge. Most scope mount span the dovetail and the dovetail is not cut away. You might just need a new sight!
    Last edited by Salt Flat; 03-30-2018 at 09:35 PM.

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    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
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    Yes, pics would be priceless...
    Regards, Jim

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    Legacy Member Sunray's Avatar
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    "...the rear sight was cut smooth off..." If there's no 'male' dovetail(a tenon, I think) there's no place to put an original rear sight.
    Exploded drawing is here. http://stevespages.com/ipb-springfield-03a3.html
    A faux 1903A4 might be an option. Still won't be original as the base attaches to the but you could match the D&T holes for a different scope base. You could do the same thing to install a commercial peep sight.
    Spelling and Grammar count!

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    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by RPM101 View Post
    it looks like
    For Sunray...whatever callsign follows...

    That's why we want pics.
    Regards, Jim

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    Thread Starter
    Here are the pictures. If y'all need more, let me know. Thanks for the answers!



    [ATTACH][ATTACH]Attachment 92109[/ATTACH][/ATTACH]

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    Contributing Member rcathey's Avatar
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    Looks like it’s been worked over a bit but I’d bet a correct rear sight would still go on.
    How do the holes for the front of the scope mount look?

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    Well, it's been messed with but you still have most of the dovetail there. About all you lost is part of the centralizing lines. You can use an original sight or you'll have to completely MILL the rear off to make it true. I'd try an original, you may find one here if you place an ad on the WTB forum... Just look up 1903A3 rear sight dovetail on Google and you'll see what it should look like.
    Regards, Jim

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    03-a3 dated 42? Have to be one of the first made.

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    Thread Starter
    As far as the front of the scope mount goes, its hard to describe, but there is a band that clipped on that has a small threaded "nipple" that the front of the scope mount slid onto and then was secured down. The only part of the rifle that was damaged was the handguard, it looks like they cut on it a bit.

    As far as the date of the rifle, I used a website I found when I Googled "1903A3 Serial Numbers" and when the number was put in, thats the year it gave me. I do know the old Marine went in in early '41. He brought home two 03A3's and this is the one that was given to me.

    I sure do appreciate all the answers to my question, thank y'all.

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