Remington 1903

madscotsman

I have found what appears to be a Remington produced Springfield 1903 in the original blue as produced in WWI. This piece however has a Redfield micrometer rear site and a Lyman front site and checkered wood. I originaly thought the rifle had been "sporterized", but on closer inspection the rifle appears to have left the factory this way. My research showed me that the Remington model 30s was a m1917, could there have been m1903 as well? The rifle never had military sites, the barrel has a "P" stamped on it, the rifle is about 95%+. I can not remember if "US Property" is stamed on it. Can anyone tell me what this is and what is its value, I will have more info later if needed.

madscotsman

Seeking an answer. I have a Remington 1903 and the barrel's rifling doesn't go all the way out to the muzzle. When I gauge it, the gauge goes all the way in. The rifling is strong, and the gun and barrel are in excellent shape. Is this a common trait for these guns? Anybody have any idea or knowledge about this phenomenon?

Thank You, Alan

madscotsman

I have searched high and low. Asked MANY people (OK So many I'm not asking the right people)and STILL do not have the answere Im looking for. So...I'm coming here.

IS the common name for the Remington 1903 a "1903-A1"? I just got in a Remington 1903. Thats all it has stamped on it for number. I am very familiar with seeing the stamp 1903-A3. So I'm expecting a 1903-A1 to be stamped as such. Am I wrong?

Mac

Stop by and visit us sometime...

http://www.macnachtanarms.com

v35

What's the s/n ? Have you had the upper handguard off to examine the shape of the barrel chamber area for A-1 or a-3 features?

Herschel

Remington did not produce 1903's in the WWI period. What is the marking on the receiver ring. That should answer your question as to what it is.

madscotsman

Here is what is on the receiver "US Remington Model 1903 3137555". This rifle looks just like the Remington 30s which was built from a 1917 action this one however is on the 03 action. If this rifle was modified it appears to have been done at an arsenal for match shooting. I am assuming this rifle was made the way it is for that purpose.

v35

As suspected, this is a late rifle, made in 1941 prior to the 1903A3 model changes. However,your posts suggest it may have an A3 handguard. If the chamber doesnt show signs of ladder sight mounting, that too may have been changed to an A3 or aftermarket barrel. It's possible the rifle was fitted up for a military rifle team and may have a specially star gaged select barrel. I would dismount the rifle from the stock and record any markings on barrel and action.If you dont get a positive I.D. here, pose the question to the Rifleman.

madscotsman

I did look for the star gauge on the inital inspection, but found none and according to my references sometimes the star gauge was present and sometimes not. The barrel appears to be not the original, but matches the rifle. There are no marks to indicate that a ladder site was present. The only code I could find was the letter"P" stamped on it near the end of the barrel and what appears to be a faint "17" near the breach. It has a Redfield micrometer site which is mounted to the side of the receiver and a Lyman #11 front site. The trigger guard is milled not stamped

v35

Stamped triggerguards were standard features of the one year later, 1903A3. While the barrel could be the later 03A3 barrel there is a 17 stamping on the barrel. I'd guess your barrel might be a 1917 Enfield barrel if it has 5 lands and grooves of equal width with a left hand 1:10 pitch rifling. Thats what the standard 1917 Enfield was. However, two and four groove, rh twist mil contract barrels were also produced by HiStandard and Johnson for rebarrelling the Enfields. The P could be a proof test witness mark. 1917 Enfield barrels were found more accurate and longer lived than 1903 barrels.Since you are convinced the rifle looks original and we know it has been converted, it may have been done by Army Depot Ordnance or Springfield Arsenal for service competition.

Herschel

madscotsman, The speculation about this rifle being armory built for military rifle team use is almost certainly not the true history of the rifle. I was involved in hipower competition in the 1950's and 1960's and remember that it was very common for NRA members to buy the DCM 1903's and 1903A3's and have them set up for match shooting. I would bet that is how your rifle came to be in it's present configuration.

madscotsman

I appreciate the help and input from you all and had come to the same conclusion as most, the only thing that perplexed me was the receiver was still blue and not parkarized. I had beleived that most of these rifles were refinished in the haste to rearm for WW II. I guess it is possible for a few to have fallen thru the crack some where. My one question is how much do you all think this rifle is worth? I would like to save it from an uncertain fate that surely awaits it now.

Herschel

madscotsman, The serial number you gave indicates your rifle was made new in 1942. It originally would have been parkerized. A blue finish on it would mean it was blued after leaving U S Govt possession. The Redfield rear sight installation would have required holes being drilled and tapped in the receiver. This really cuts into the value of the receiver for restoration.