03A3

[NinerMaine]

Picked this up at the same time as the M28. It is a 42 dated receiver with a 4/43 barrel with what look likes an original sling. The bore is mint. There are no proof marks on the stock.

The guy I got it from said he got it from the vet who used in it WWII, but the gun looks like it never saw the outside of an arsenal. So I seriously doubt the story.

Should there be proof marks on the stock? I am wondering if the stock is original to the gun or is refurbed.

Was it normal to have a later dated barrel on a earlier receiver or is that a sign it was rebarreled.



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[Maninblue1861]

Bolt had been parked, which means was rebuilt

 

[martin08]

Nice gun!

The receiver number and barrel date match up pretty well, too. Barrel made in April, receiver made in May. Use this chart, as some other charts are not accurate.

http://www.vishooter.net/ra_serialization.txt

A Remington stock should have a R stamp in the forestock tip, and an original would have the proof test (circle P) right behind the trigger guard. I would say that the original owner may well have been a vet, but he bought the gun after the war.

 

[NinerMaine]

Thanks for the info.... so my original source was wrong and this is a a good match for barrel and gun. That is good to know. I never really learn a lot about a gun until I own one.

 

[Maninblue1861]

yeah, buy the gun not the story. You made out well, as I havent seen many good looking 03a3's around lately. Still waiting for my big check to arrive, so I can fill some gaps in my collection... (03a3 and 03a4 on list)

 

[Pilgrim]

A few years back, I bought this 03a3 from the CMP.
Here's what I got. Click on pics for larger ones.

http://wikkidpissah.com/guns/1903a3/03page1.htm

http://wikkidpissah.com/guns/1903a3/03page2.htm

 

[martin08]

A few years back, I bought this 03a3 from the CMP.
Here's what I got. Click on pics for larger ones.

http://wikkidpissah.com/guns/1903a3/03page1.htm

http://wikkidpissah.com/guns/1903a3/03page2.htm

Ah, the good ol' days! I'm sure that there are a few left out there that need to be cleaned up and made into beautiful specimens, but just placing an order and adding $10 for a handpick is going to be a thing of the distant past in not too many days from now.... sigh. You have a beauty, Pilgrim.


And you certainly made a great decision to pursue that one, NinerMaine. You may not see a deal like that again!

 

[NinerMaine]

And you certainly made a great decision to pursue that one, NinerMaine. You may not see a deal like that again!

That is exactly what was going through my mind as the auctioneer was calling the last call at $450. I may never be able to buy an 03 in nice condition for that price for the rest of my life. Up went my hand. LOL I had no intention of buying the 03 and went to the auction for the M28.