U.S. Remington 1903 “modified” WW II Rifle … (F 1032) Sold
Created on April 26th 2022
Fine Collectors grade Remington Model 03 “Modified”
This rifle embodies the best of both the collectors world and the shooters world all in one. Often these have noses turned up at them but they have their place in history and they often have the best bores. As the Springfield Armoury was busy producing more modern requirements for the war effort it fell to Remington to step in and fill the void. As a war expedient the rifle was slightly simplified – the whole point being to reduce material usage and speed up production time. However, it strangely adopted the name “Modified” when nothing was actually added, but things were taken away.
To the casual observer the rifle appears to be not unlike the World War One Springfield in its general set-up. However there are some differences which appear on closer inspection. The stocks have no finger grooves. This is an original war-time stock with an R.L.B. (Roy L Bowlin, Remington Arms 1941/42) inspection mark and the crossed cannons of Remington Arms. It has twin cross bolts to reinforce the stock, not the later cross pins. It is a straight grip stock like its Springfield predecessors. It is actually in fine condition with few flaws; there is only one patch of slight damage on the LHS, adjacent to the action, a small patch of hammering marks – cause unknow, but these could be taken out if required. On the underside just behind the trigger guard is the circled “P” final proof mark and below that an solitary “X”
Other alterations include a lack of lightening cuts on the rear sight mounting collar – it is circular and plain. All components are correctly marked with an “R” for Remington. The crest of the receiver is marked as follows; ” U.S. / REMINGTON / MODEL 1903 / 3068100″ Records indicated production would be in March 1942. The barrel is marked just behind the front sight; ” R.A. / flaming bomb / 3-42″ showing this is the original barrel to the action. The bore is very good with clean clear uninterrupted four grove rifling. No pitting or misting. All stock fittings are the correct milled type. Smooth butt-plate with trap for cleaning equipment (a/f). Gas escape holes on either side of receiver.
Chambered in .30-06 government with a 5-shot internal magazine and Mauser bolt system. Overall the rifle, in its American Black Walnut stock is 43.1/4″ long. The round blued barrel is 24″ long and the trigger Pull to centre is 13.” Guarded front sight with spring cover. The rear sight is graduated up to 2850 yards and has the multiple aim points set up. Windage adjustment by the flat sided wheels on its right and can be used in the down or upright positions. Blued bolt with parkerised grey green action. Milled trigger guard and floor plate. “R” marked bolt arm, bolt shroud, cut-off switch to rear LHS of action. Three position safety flag switch to rear of Mauser Action bolt. Rear sight components all “R” marked. One might notice the mixture of Grey/Green Parkerised components and some Blued parts – that is absolutely correct.
This is a very good all Remington made 1903 where, you can shoot a WW1 style rifle with the advantage of a Second World War barrel. Gentle slope handguard over barrel. Stocks are very good with few, if any dents dings or scratches. Bayonet fitting on underside of front band. Sprung front sight protector marked “R” and “flaming bomb/U.S.” either side.
A fine collectible Remington 03 in good usable condition. There is an awful lot that is correct about this rifle – collectors take note.
Stock No F 1032
£ 1600. SOLD
Comments Off on U.S. Remington 1903 “modified” WW II Rifle … (F 1032) Sold