Make: Remington

Model: 1903A3 (03-A3)

Serial Number: 4045082

Year of Manufacture: 1943, Barrel Date: September, 1943

Caliber: .30-06 Springfield

Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine

Barrel Length: 24"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade set atop a raised base. The rear sight is a fully adjustable aperture sight marked from “2-8” on the top and “0” with hash marks on the rear. A sight cover is installed on the front sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a straight grip, metal nose cap with bayonet lug, stacking loop, 2 barrel bands, 2 sling loops, 2 through bolts, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage (nothing in the compartment). The left of the stock has a "B.A. J.L." Benicia Arsenal refurbish mark. The wood shows light wear with some nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is some discoloration. The LOP measures 12 7/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in Very Good Plus overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized & Blued

Finish Originality: Most parts' finish appears Original, the safety is parkerized while the rest of the bolt assembly is blued. Some other parts may have been refurbished. Correct R-marked parts.

Bore Condition: The rifle uses a 2-grooved bore. The bore is mostly bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn copper fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The metal shows scattered minor scuffs and small scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The metal markings are clear, the wood markings show some wear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes in a green canvas zipper case with canvas sling, bandoleer with twelve 5-round clips of ammunition, canvas belt with ammo pouches, med-pouch with Carlisle Model First Aid Packet (sealed) and a U.F.H. M1 bayonet with scabbard.

Our Assessment: When the US Army was looking for a rifle design to replace the 1898 Krag rifle, they looked directly at the Spanish Model 1893 Mauser. This was due to the fact that the performance of the Model 1893 Mauser was far superior than that of the 1898 Krag during the Spanish-American War. The Model 1903 is basically a redesigned Mauser clone. A U.S. Patent Court eventually found that the U.S. Army had violated Mauser’s patents and required the U.S. Army to pay the German Mauser manufacturers patent royalties. Payments were stopped once WWI started. The 1903 has a strong reliable action that served the Army for over thirty years in two world wars. The 1903A3 is an improved version of the 1903 rifle that was introduced in 1942. The most significant change was the switch to a receiver bridge-mounted rear aperture sight.

This Remington Model 1903-A3 was made back in 1943. The rifle looks great for being more than 80 years old. It has nice Remington markings on the receiver and barrel as well as small “R” stamps on many of the metal parts. This Remington Model 1903-A3 has a strong bright bore so it should do well at the range. It will add to your WWII or Military collection. Please see our photos and good luck!