unfired 03A3

R

RLWII

New member
A couple of years ago I was presented with a 03a3 that is claimed to be unfired. The weapon had been stored in a sealed storage bag since 1963 and had belonged to a military collector prior to that time. The only markings on the weapon other than REMINGTON 03A3 and serial number, is the "flaming bomb" mark and a barrel date of 9-43. I have very limited knowledge in dealing with this piece. The stock is not marked in any way. I know it could have been re-stocked but I don't believe it was, based on information from the original owner. I have to say it looks new. I guess my question is how can I research this piece? I would like to be able to pass on more information than I have now, when it comes time to pass on the rifle.
 
It is fairly easy for a collector to take a quick glance and determine if it is a arsenal rebuil or possibly a mint original. Most all CMP guns sold in the 1960's were arsenal rebuilds. Many of these have never been fired since CMP purchase, but it didnt mean it was unfired. After WWII the military returned all guns to the arsenals and they were stripped, sometimes barrel replaced if needed, restocked if needed, repaied and reparkerized. Then they were dipped in cosmoline and put into storage. After WWII the Springfield 1903's were declared obsolete and sold to the CMP program for resale to the public. One quick thing to look for, are all metal perts parkerized, including barrel bands, sling swivels, and buttplate?
 
Thought I had an all original.

A real collector looked at it and told me how it had been through a rebuild program.

Can't tell without pictures, and even then, parts differences don't always show well in the camera phone images.
 
Assuming that the OP is correct and there are no stamps in the wood stock, it most likely is a rebuild and not necessarily a military rebuild. The military stamped the inspectors initials in the stock. A rebuild would have the armorys stamp on it also. But the way I would look at it, if the action and barrel are pristine, wood is an easy find with the correct markings.
 
LOADER9, there are other differences that even a new correct stock cant cure. Original 03-A3's were part perkerized and part blued. If a person knows which parts were finished different then it is easy to tell a rebuild. Years ago I used to know but age hasnt helped my memory.
 
I got a CMP Remington 03A3 that was unfired since rebuilding. Mine came with a period marked stock with clear cartouches which I foolishly sold to a collector. I've had a couple of true 03A3's, one a BRAND NEW Smith Corona and one a Remington but I'm not a real collector. I will assure you, the SC 03A3 was full parkerized w/o any blued parts IIRC. That was almost 50 years ago so I might have a memory blip.
 
Acording to Cambells and Brophy's books on the Springfield 1903's, the A-3's only had a parkerized action and barrel. All other parts were blued. I have had a few of both rebuilt and original and I concur with them. HOWEVER, I am NOT a 1903 expert and would like to here from someone who is. I have the Brophy book in storage and not looking forward to getting it out of storage.
 
M1903A3 Remington

9-43 4 groove barrel and 3.8 to over 4 million serial number could be an original rifle. If all the parts except the barrel and receiver would be Parkerized, most all the other small parts should be blued and from stamped metal. The A3 revision was Remington's using stampings and moving the rear sight to the rear of the receiver. The stock should be a straight non finger groove. As you've said there are no cartouches, FJA and a circled P and of course the crossed cannons, or other stamps on the stock.
As far as this rifle never being shot, I'd have my doubts.
Attached pictures, the first is an original the next two are Raritan Arsenal rebuilt and refinished.
 
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:confused:

An 03A3 that was rebuilt in a military arsenal and sold through the
CMP in the 1960s IS AN ORIGINAL.

If it's been unmolested since the 60's it is probably worth close to
$1000 to a collector.
 
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