Remington M1903-A3 US Service Rifle…..(F 896) SOLD

Extremely original and Excellent 03-A3 Rifle

An excellent example of the last main bolt action rifle fielded by the US army in world war two.  Chambered in .30-06 with a 5-shot internal magazine which can be charger fed through guides from above.  Built on a Mauser-type action with a three position safety at the rear of the bolt.  Bent over bolt handle all finished in its original dark grey parkerised finish.  These rifles were produced in the second half of the war and were a simplified (War Expedient) version of their predecessor, the M1903.  Changes were made to production to cut time and reduce raw materials used.  Many pressed steel parts were used for the first time in the development of theses weapons.

Changes were made to the sighting layout and simplifications were made to the stock fittings to make them cheaper and easier to produce.  The original sights were replaced by a guarded aperture sight mounted further back down the rifle towards the rear of the action.  The early sights were very complicated and far to technical for close quarters combat.  An aperture is far easier to use when snap shooting or for rapid target acquisition.  Through feedback and extensive experience the military had realised that that a highly technical instrument on the rear of a rifle used for combat purposes was superfluous to requirements.  The end result of the revamp was a neat efficient battle rifle, more akin to the German K98.

Fully stocked in American Black Walnut stock with handguard in fantastic high grade condition.  All over strong sheen smooth to the touch with strong dark grain and rich colour – very attractive!  Superb original dark grey parkerised finish to the action and bolt. There is no hint of an arsenal refinish.  The main receiver ring is marked as follows; ” U.S. / REMINGTON MODEL 03-A3 / 3847051″  Records indicate manufacture in August 1943.    The barrel bears this out with its own production date roll engraved behind the muzzle which reads; ” R.A. / flaming bomb motif (centre stamped) / 7 -43″  All stock fittings are the correct stamped metal produced items with a checked steel butt-plate with trap for cleaning gear (empty) The stock is the “scant-grip” stock or as it was un-affectionately know the “wart-hog” stock.  It has the two cross screws.  Very faint final proof “P” circled mark on the underside of the semi-pistol grip. Two small patches of repair with a composite filler on the RHS of the butt-stock in light brown.  On the LHS of the but-stock is a cartouche which looks to be “BA /CAB” which could be Benecia Arsenal  / CAB being the inspector.  Benecia only did rebuilds and that could be what occurred as the rifle was passed out to CMP as the stock shows no war-time inspectors marks.

Fully adjustable rear aperture sights graduated from 200 to 800 yards.  Bolt release on LHS of receiver to rear.  For an original barrel the bore on this rifle is in wonderful condition.  Strong four grove rifling with No pitting or misting.  Bayonet lug on the underside of pressed steel nose-cap. Slight splintering of the fore-end just behind the front band on the LHS – now smoothed and almost mis-able upon inspection.

This is an excellent example of a highly original genuine WWII U.S. combat rifle ready with the additional benefit of a four grove bore.  Fresh British Nitro proof to experience for yourself.

Stock No F 896

£ 1445. (SOLD)

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