US Remington model 03-a3

titleman2005 · August 13, 2005, 04:17 PM

looking for info regarding us remington 03 a3. the serial #is 3,607,XXX. Can any one provide manufacture date and todays high / low value. There are some letters (looks like "GSAA") burned into the wood on the left side of the stock above the trigger. It appears a large # were produced, are there still a large # out there. THANKS FOR ANY INFO.

James K · August 14, 2005, 03:30 PM

The Model 1903A3 was a modification of the Model 1903 rifle, commonly called "the Springfield". The changes were effected to make the rifle easier and cheaper to produce. The change of rear sight also made the rifle more compatible with the M1 rifle (the Garand) for training and combat use.

They were made by both Remington and Smith Corona. A total of 1,020,675 were made, all but 236,831 by Remington. Production began in December 1942, running concurrently for a while with the Model 1903 which Remington was also making. Yours was made in early 1943; maybe someone can come up with a closer date.

Many M1903A3 rifles saw service, but towards the end of the war, M1 rifles were available in sufficient quantity that new M1903A3's went from the factory into storage. After the war, many were sent to U.S. allies or sold to NRA members under the Director of Civilian Marksmanship program. Some received by NRA members were brand new, and unfired except for proof testing.

The new Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP - www.odcmp.com) is selling currently selling some for $400.

Value on the current market for an original (not rebuilt) one in top condition is around $800.

Jim Watson · August 14, 2005, 04:06 PM

Can't find anything about a stock marking GSAA but C-SAA would indicate a rebuild at San Antonio Arsenal.

Hkmp5sd · August 14, 2005, 06:17 PM

It should have "03-A3" and the manufacturer (Remington or Smith-Corona) on the receiver ring. The barrel should be marked with the manufacturer's initials (RA or SC) and have the month and year of manufacture. The stock should have the initials of the inspector, "FJA" and an "RA" if Remington.

titleman2005 · August 14, 2005, 08:07 PM

Thanks for the outstanding information. This is by far the best site out there.

Johnny O. · September 17, 2005, 03:09 PM

My 03-A3 has the date month and yr on top of the Army ordinance symbol “the flaming piss pot” at the end of the barrel. Also look at the end of the muzzle for a * stamped in the end of it. All the rifles came off the same assembly lines but the ones that were measured and were found to be within a special tolerance were used as sniper rifles. These are wroth more $. I have a book put out be Remington with this info in it and if I weren’t in the middle of a move I would put the reference info for it here. I promise I didn’t mack up the * thing. Everybody always thinks I made that up. Has anyone else read about that or have an 03 with that stamp in the end of the barrel?

Quantrill · September 17, 2005, 03:32 PM

I just went and checked my O3A3 and on the upper end of the barrel between the stock and the front sight is marked RA, the flaming pot and 7-44. There are a few markings on the sight itself but no *. I have often heard of "star gaged barrels" but never knew the "rest of the story". It certainly sounds plausible but I had never heard that story before. Interesting!!! Quantrill

T. O'Heir · September 17, 2005, 08:42 PM

Go here. Go to the 1903 page then fill in the whole S/N. http://www.armscollectors.com/srs.htm

titleman2005 · September 20, 2005, 11:50 PM

thanks

August 13, 2005, 04:17 PM	#1
titleman2005 Member Join Date: August 1, 2005 Posts: 71	US Remington model 03-a3 looking for info regarding us remington 03 a3. the serial #is 3,607,XXX. Can any one provide manufacture date and todays high / low value. There are some letters (looks like "GSAA") burned into the wood on the left side of the stock above the trigger. It appears a large # were produced, are there still a large # out there. THANKS FOR ANY INFO.

August 14, 2005, 06:17 PM	#4
Hkmp5sd Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2001 Location: Winter Haven, Florida Posts: 4,303	It should have "03-A3" and the manufacturer (Remington or Smith-Corona) on the receiver ring. The barrel should be marked with the manufacturer's initials (RA or SC) and have the month and year of manufacture. The stock should have the initials of the inspector, "FJA" and an "RA" if Remington. __________________ NRA Certified Instructor: Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Home Safety, Personal Protection, Range Safety Officer NRA Life Member

August 14, 2005, 08:07 PM	#5
titleman2005 Member Join Date: August 1, 2005 Posts: 71	rifle Thanks for the outstanding information. This is by far the best site out there.

September 20, 2005, 11:50 PM	#9
titleman2005 Member Join Date: August 1, 2005 Posts: 71	great info guys thanks

August 14, 2005, 03:30 PM	#2
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	The Model 1903A3 was a modification of the Model 1903 rifle, commonly called "the Springfield". The changes were effected to make the rifle easier and cheaper to produce. The change of rear sight also made the rifle more compatible with the M1 rifle (the Garand) for training and combat use. They were made by both Remington and Smith Corona. A total of 1,020,675 were made, all but 236,831 by Remington. Production began in December 1942, running concurrently for a while with the Model 1903 which Remington was also making. Yours was made in early 1943; maybe someone can come up with a closer date. Many M1903A3 rifles saw service, but towards the end of the war, M1 rifles were available in sufficient quantity that new M1903A3's went from the factory into storage. After the war, many were sent to U.S. allies or sold to NRA members under the Director of Civilian Marksmanship program. Some received by NRA members were brand new, and unfired except for proof testing. The new Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP - www.odcmp.com) is selling currently selling some for $400. Value on the current market for an original (not rebuilt) one in top condition is around $800.

August 14, 2005, 04:06 PM	#3
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,541	Can't find anything about a stock marking GSAA but C-SAA would indicate a rebuild at San Antonio Arsenal.

September 17, 2005, 03:09 PM	#6
Johnny O. Member Join Date: September 17, 2005 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 20	My 03-A3 has the date month and yr on top of the Army ordinance symbol “the flaming piss pot” at the end of the barrel. Also look at the end of the muzzle for a * stamped in the end of it. All the rifles came off the same assembly lines but the ones that were measured and were found to be within a special tolerance were used as sniper rifles. These are wroth more $. I have a book put out be Remington with this info in it and if I weren’t in the middle of a move I would put the reference info for it here. I promise I didn’t mack up the * thing. Everybody always thinks I made that up. Has anyone else read about that or have an 03 with that stamp in the end of the barrel?

September 17, 2005, 03:32 PM	#7
Quantrill Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 1999 Location: Arizona, USA Posts: 725	I just went and checked my O3A3 and on the upper end of the barrel between the stock and the front sight is marked RA, the flaming pot and 7-44. There are a few markings on the sight itself but no *. I have often heard of "star gaged barrels" but never knew the "rest of the story". It certainly sounds plausible but I had never heard that story before. Interesting!!! Quantrill

September 17, 2005, 08:42 PM	#8
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	Go here. Go to the 1903 page then fill in the whole S/N. http://www.armscollectors.com/srs.htm