Remington 03-A3 U.S. Service rifle……………………. (F 1191)

U.S. Model 03-A3 Service Rifle by Remington

An extremely clean and original example of the last of the US Bolt Action Service Rifles issued by the US Army, to its troops in World War Two.  Chambered in the .30-06 government round, with a 5-shot internal staggered magazine and a Mauser bolt system.  Original grey/green parkerised finish to the majority of the rifle.  The parkerised finish was a wise choice for the protection of the rifles as, it has proved so effective in the long run.  It is very rare to find a corroded example, that was originally treated in this way – this is no exception.  Condition is excellent.  These rifles naturally fall into the category of “used or military surplus” but, out of all the nations weapons I have handled, these are always in a consistently better state.  The US Army / government do treat their weapons in a different way when they reach the end of their service life.  They actually sent them through the Arsenal for a final refit / inspection and then they were released through the Civilian Marksmanship program and had to be in good condition for that purpose.  This is the main reason why it is possible to pick them up in such good condition.  It is very rare to find anything to fault on them. The logic was they had to be in tip-top shoot-able condition, so they could maintain a good standard of rifle shooting amongst the general population should they need to lead them all to war again in a hurry – so no good issuing them with a load of rubbish.   Other countries however, often ended up with already used and battered stock which they had to make do with. By the time they are finished with their cast-off Enfields’ or Mausers they were usually in a pretty sorry state, with the exception of some of the North European countries.  Also, feedback from many happy customers is starting to strongly indicate these simple, sturdy rifles are capable of a high degree of accuracy even for the average joe!

The next thing to consider in the history or the facts about what you are actually purchasing here is, that this rifle was in truth an attempt by the US authorities, to cut corners and produce the weapon, quicker, faster and at less expense to the nation.  Usually, this marks a down-turn in quality or reliability.  This is the only rifle I know of where these measures actually resulted in a better weapon.  There is no detraction form its current day usability as a result of the changes that were put into place.  Even the reduction from 4 grove to two grove in the bore makes no difference to us, as target shooters these days.  The rifles are still easily able to do what we ask of them on the ranges.  All the main parts were cast in the original way but, the other parts, like the furniture were milled. They changed cast components for the new technology of stamped and rolled sheet metal parts which when tested functioned perfectly well.  In changing the sighting geometry they made it instantly easier to use.  N.B.  an aperture sight is easier to use for older eyes!  Altogether, these make a fantastic addition to the military rifle collectors gun cabinet – a must have!

Receiver ring marked as follows: “U.S. / REMINGTON/MODEL 03-A3 / 4081872”  Serial number indicates receiver production in November 1943.  The barrel is marked just behind the front sight as follows; “R.A. / flaming bomb motif / 9 – 43.”  This just means that the barrel waited a few months to be united with an action in the factory.  Adjustable sliding aperture rear sight graduated from 2 to 800 yards with windage adjustment to the RHS. Windage zeroing scale on rear of sight. Three position Mauser flag safety with bent down bolt handle. “R” for Remington marked bolt components.  A “3” is clearly stambed on the upper surface of the bolt stub – meaning unknown. Large gas escape hole on LHS of receiver.

Bolt release and magazine restriction catch to rear LHS of action.  Twin pin Black American Walnut stock and one piece hand-guard over barrel. Straight grip stock.Faint stock markings include; boxed “FJA” (Frank James Attwood) and possibly the round Remington Crossed cannons on the LHS of the wrist below the magazine selection switch cut-out. Final Proof circled “P” and a rack number – double digit behind the trigger guard.  The surface of the stock is smooth all over and it shows little use. There is however, a small repair on the RHS of the stock on the very edge, abbutting rear receiver bridge.  Trigger guard and magazine floor-plate unit are from an earlier “modified” Remington though, in very fine light grey finish. Cross hatched steel butt-plate with hatch for storage of cleaning equipment.  Many “R” marked parts. For general plinking this rifle will be fine for competition grade shooting the bore is a little lacking.  It is a two groove showing signs of some surface pitting.  The grooves are intact and it is bright but if extreme acurracy is require it may need a new barrel.  (we have Remington war time replacement barrels in stock still wrapped!)  Action mechanically fine.  Freshly proofed to CIP standards. A very good externally clean, almost if just issued rifle; would be perfect for the WW 2 re-enactor.

Stock No’  F 1191

£ 1200.

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