Remington 1903-A3 Questions

[Skip55]

Good Evening colleagues!

 

Thank you for allowing me to join your forum!

 

I have an interest in acquiring a Remington 1903-A3 rifle, and found one II am considering. After researching original characteristics, I have doubts that this rifle is all original, despite the shop indicating that it is.

 

Barrel markings appear normal with “RA”, “7-43”, and "flaming bomb". Bolt, barrel band, and front sight have “R” stamps; and the receiver appears to be marked appropriately.

 

The Stock, though in very good condition, does not appear to be original based on the inspector stamp and missing circle P behind the trigger guard.

 

Based on the photos attached, can anyone provide any comments or insight; or possibly confirm if this rifle appears to be original?

 

Any thought would be greatly appreciated!

[Skip55]

I have added a photo of the only stamp on the  stock.

[Marchville1918]

I agree with you. That is not the proper stock marking for a Rem 03 a3 or SC a3.  it may be an arsenal rebuild stamp, but it isn't the stamping found on a new a3.

[Skip55]

Thank you for your confirmation Marchville1918! Greatly appreciated!

 

The stock missing the circle P behind the trigger guard and the incorrect inspector stamp caused apprehension.

 

The condition of the rifle appears to be quite good. In your opinion, considering the hardware that appears to be authentic, would the stock lacking the circle P and nonstandard inspector stamp be something to avoid / walk away from?

[Rhscott]

Looks like it went to Springfield Armory for the late/post WW2 rebuild…..hence the SA open box inspection.  You have provided actually little to go on otherwise.  I see no red flags so far.

no sn# to compare barrel date with.

no full length pix showing the other bands metal finish.

no trigger guard pix showing its metal finish.

 

[Skip55]

44 minutes ago, Rhscott said:

Looks like it went to Springfield Armory for the late/post WW2 rebuild…..hence the SA open box inspection.  You have provided actually little to go on otherwise.  I see no red flags so far.

no sn# to compare barrel date with.

no full length pix showing the other bands metal finish.

no trigger guard pix showing its metal finish.

 

 

Thank you Rhscott! I understand and apologize as I have limited images of the rifle (I.e., full length, other barrel band, or trigger guard). However I can say both barrel bands appear to be in pristine condition and unmarried for the age of the firearm. There were no stamps of any kind in the stock behind the trigger guard. I do have a photo of the sn# which I have attached. 

[Rhscott]

Appears from the pix we do have that it is a legit SA rebuild.  All parts appear in a nice uniform parked color, barrel is in the original range and wood was most likely replaced at SA or at least completely sanded and re oil dipped.  To me the open box SA is really cool and a big plus. The lack of a firing “P” is not a huge deal, as it seems it has its original barrel and did get a overall pass by the SA inspector.

I myself would buy it so long as the bore was clean and sharp.

[Skip55]

59 minutes ago, Rhscott said:

Appears from the pix we do have that it is a legit SA rebuild.  All parts appear in a nice uniform parked color, barrel is in the original range and wood was most likely replaced at SA or at least completely sanded and re oil dipped.  To me the open box SA is really cool and a big plus. The lack of a firing “P” is not a huge deal, as it seems it has its original barrel and did get a overall pass by the SA inspector.

I myself would buy it so long as the bore was clean and sharp.

Many thanks Rhscott! I am a relatively new collector and greatly appreciate input from experienced folks. Are you aware of any details or literature references that describe the open box SA inspection stamp?

[Skip55]

Well... I "bit the bullet" and now possess this 03A3. I appreciate the comments shared - and Rhscott's confirm on the Springfield rebuild. I have included additional photos of this rifle. In closer observation there appears to me minor surface rust in a few areas. In referencing serial number tables in Poyer's text, the month ending S/N which includes this rifle suggests it was manufactured in September 1943. Barrel marking indicates July 1943. There are several notes regarding approximations and inventory control procedures, however, is this 2-month discrepancy a concern?

 

Would love to hear any thoughts or comments regarding this firearm.

[Rhscott]

No idea what you paid but I think you got one hell of a nice rifle.  Sn# is just fine. Below is a list of close number with barrel dates.  Stock can not be upgraded.

 

RA3 39207xx RA 8-43
RA3 392494x RA 7-43
RA3 3925xxx RA 7-44
RA3 3928537 RA 7-43
RA3 3928842 RA 7-43

RA3 3933xxx RA 3-44
RA3 3936997 RA 2-44
RA3 3939726 RA 8-43 RA, boxed FJA, ord-stp, 4g (GB 4/10)

RA3 3940xxx RA 8-43
RA3 394268x RA 7-43 RA, boxed FJA, ord-stp (CSP 2/07)
RA3 3944100 RA 8-43
RA3 3947485 RA 2-44
RA3 3948xxx RA 8-43
RA3 3948510 RA 8-43
 

[Skip55]

2 hours ago, Rhscott said:

No idea what you paid but I think you got one hell of a nice rifle.  Sn# is just fine. Below is a list of close number with barrel dates.  Stock can not be upgraded.

 

RA3 39207xx RA 8-43
RA3 392494x RA 7-43
RA3 3925xxx RA 7-44
RA3 3928537 RA 7-43
RA3 3928842 RA 7-43

RA3 3933xxx RA 3-44
RA3 3936997 RA 2-44
RA3 3939726 RA 8-43 RA, boxed FJA, ord-stp, 4g (GB 4/10)

RA3 3940xxx RA 8-43
RA3 394268x RA 7-43 RA, boxed FJA, ord-stp (CSP 2/07)
RA3 3944100 RA 8-43
RA3 3947485 RA 2-44
RA3 3948xxx RA 8-43
RA3 3948510 RA 8-43
 

Many thanks Rhscott! Your input has been valuable and greatly appreciated!

[m1903]

Very nice rebuilt 03.  Remintons originally had a mix of blued and parkerized parts, I don't have access to exactly what at the moment,  and they were pretty consistent about marking their parts with the R stamp.    I would leave it as is. 

 

[Skip55]

21 hours ago, m1903 said:

Very nice rebuilt 03.  Remintons originally had a mix of blued and parkerized parts, I don't have access to exactly what at the moment,  and they were pretty consistent about marking their parts with the R stamp.    I would leave it as is. 

 

Thank you!

[Brian Dentino]

I would say you have a nice arsenal rebuilt workhorse of a rifle there.  Now, take it out to the range and put some .30 cal rounds downrange with that baby.  She was built for it and no use in depriving her of eating some ammo!

[gap]

All of the parts that should be blued, are parkerized, so defintitely an arsenal overhaul, but still a nice rifle. 

[Chris Baker]

On 9/7/2025 at 3:26 AM, Skip55 said:

Good Evening colleagues!

 

Thank you for allowing me to join your forum!

 

I have an interest in acquiring a Remington 1903-A3 rifle, and found one II am considering. After researching original characteristics, I have doubts that this rifle is all original, despite the shop indicating that it is.

 

Barrel markings appear normal with “RA”, “7-43”, and "flaming bomb". Bolt, barrel band, and front sight have “R” stamps; and the receiver appears to be marked appropriately.

 

The Stock, though in very good condition, does not appear to be original based on the inspector stamp and missing circle P behind the trigger guard.

 

Based on the photos attached, can anyone provide any comments or insight; or possibly confirm if this rifle appears to be original?

 

Any thought would be greatly appreciated!

 You are correct to be suspicious - the missing 'circle P' stamp is a clear indicator of a replacement stock. While the metal parts sound correct, the stock is almost certainly not original. This is very common for these rifles. Its value would be as a 'shooter' rather than a collector's piece.

[Rhscott]

On 9/26/2025 at 8:01 AM, Chris Baker said:

 You are correct to be suspicious - the missing 'circle P' stamp is a clear indicator of a replacement stock. While the metal parts sound correct, the stock is almost certainly not original. This is very common for these rifles. Its value would be as a 'shooter' rather than a collector's piece.

 

Disagree.  Condition, condition, condition; and add to that a less common SA rebuild as well.  The piece is a top shelf rebuild and that alone is collectible.  By all accounts the rifle has been returned to “as new” condition by the rebuild.  No, it is not factory original “new” but is as fine as you can get from a rebuild depo and if ever sold will gain a price as such if maintained in this condition.

I personally would leave it alone just as is. Once you oil the stock and parts or start shooting it then it is no longer “rebuild fresh”.

[gap]

It's an aresenal rebuild, leave it alone and apprecite it for what it is.  You can never return it to the factory original condition. 

[hyrax222]

I would have a gunsmith look it over carefully. The bolt looks like it was drug down the road!

 

hyrax222

[pharbor1941]

Nice honest Arsenal rebuild as stated above. A good rifle that you can shoot and enjoy.

[SSG Mac]

As good if not better than those that I own. They are great rifles get too shooting