03-A3 bolt handle markings

[Cwick57]

Hello -
Brand new to the forum and I have a question. I have a Remington 03-A3 that appears to be all original and correct. Serial number is 38753xx with an 7-43 RA barrel. The bolt handle is “R” marked on top flat. Underneath markings appear to be a “G” and two punch marks. Could this have been a Smith-Corona bolt that was sourced, accepted and marked by Remington? Thoughts and opinions appreciated.

---------- Post added at 09:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:58 AM ----------

Trying to attach photos but having difficulty.

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[Cwick57]

Photo attachments

[Tom in N.J.]

From the pictures the bolt body is marked R4 on the top flat of the handle. That identifies the bolt body as a Springfield Armory, 1942, item. Used as a replacement for re-builds.

[Cwick57]

Very interesting. Thanks for the information. I’m curious though as I thought if an 03A3 went through a re-build they parkerized everything on the bolt. Also, I don’t see any arsenal re-build stamps on the stock. Still learning as you can tell.
Thoughts??

[Cwick57]

Bump for visibility to solicit other inputs. Thanks.

[BEAR]

Just a note: I have an unissued R4 bolt that was in original packaging. It was finished in a very black parkerization, much like what I see on your bolt.

Hope this helps


BEAR

[Cwick57]

Thanks Bear. It’s appreciated.

[John Beard]

Very interesting. Thanks for the information. I’m curious though as I thought if an 03A3 went through a re-build they parkerized everything on the bolt. Also, I don’t see any arsenal re-build stamps on the stock. Still learning as you can tell.
Thoughts??

Tom in N.J. is correct. The bolt was made at Springfield Armory circa 1943 as a spare replacement for use in overhaul. You have provided no evidence that your rifle was overhauled and refinished (parkerized). Therefore, the bolt is a simple replacement, perhaps because the original bolt was damaged or would no longer headspace. Bolt replacement may have also been instigated by Bubba who needed a spare Remington bolt.

J.B.

[Tom in N.J.]

The reason I knew about the"R4" marked bolt, is because I posted a photo of my "all Remington" M1903 on-line many years back. John Beard pointed out the fact that I had installed a "R4" marked bolt to 'correct' my rifle, but "R4" was a Springfield replacement. The Remington "R" is on the bottom of the bolt handle, the Springfield "R4" is on the top. Since then Mr. Beard has shared his wealth of knowledge by posting M1903 bolt information on Vi Shooter's M1903 page.

[Chuckindenver]

i have found the R4 and R6 bolts a little longer at the head then standard bolts.