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A Second-Generation Springfield — The M1903A3

Although I have each of the A3 stock styles my favorite is the C-Stock.

1903a3_4__70253.1584481055.jpg

The S-stock with forend grooves were only used on the original 1903 model.

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Although I have each of the A3 stock styles my favorite is the C-Stock.

1903a3_4__70253.1584481055.jpg

The S-stock with forend grooves were only used on the original 1903 model.

qRC9zxVPE8Ji_jXSTjAJkd14pMTwMnJRG7IYC0miIQDZye75EYT4gXnSzdu1uNrFkzADCGLLrqH7RhFeEEhbX2uCxmeKmoR5
I had one of these given to me that was still in cosmoline . I striped it , cleaned it all up and then decided that I couldn't do anything with it since I can't walk very far. I gave it back to my sister .

I sure did enjoy taking it apart and cleaning it up though.
 
I was in the last Company of basic training (late '63) (Ft. Knox, KY.) to qualify with the M1, thereafter the M-14 was standard issue. The M1 was a brute. The range officer/trainer stressed bone to bone contact; that is the area between the thumb joints in solid contact with the cheek bone during sighting/firing. My face was swollen/sore for days after qualifying.
 
NOTE: Any 1903A3 that's stamped Santa Fe (made by Golden State Firearms) or National Ordnance on the front receiver bridge are NOT original USGI 1903A3's.

These were post-WW2 investment-cast aftermarket receivers built up in the 50's/60's (Golden State Firearms) and 1962 to 1972 (National Ordnance) using surplus USGI 1903A3 parts.

Santa Fe

National Ordnance - Chapter V 1903A3's

Neither Santa Fe nor National Ordnance A3's are NOT highly thought of by knowledgeable Springfield 1903 aficionados due to safety concerns.
 
I have one that started life in 1913 was rebarrled 7-43 sportrized 11-62 but nowhere on this rifle is it marked 30-06 it's considered a part's gun and can't legally be sold not that i would i considered it my backup to my M1a
 
I have one that started life in 1913 was rebarrled 7-43 sportrized 11-62 but nowhere on this rifle is it marked 30-06 it's considered a part's gun and can't legally be sold not that i would i considered it my backup to my M1a
If the receiver build date is 1913 it's not an 1903A3 but the original 1903 model.

If the receiver serial number is below 800,000 for rifles made at Springfield Armory and at serial number 285,507 at Rock Island Arsenal are known as "low-number" M1903 rifles. Receivers below those thresholds are thought to be constructed of single-heat-treated case-hardened steel that were improperly subjected to excessive temperatures during the forging process.
 
If the receiver build date is 1913 it's not an 1903A3 but the original 1903 model.

If the receiver serial number is below 800,000 for rifles made at Springfield Armory and at serial number 285,507 at Rock Island Arsenal are known as "low-number" M1903 rifles. Receivers below those thresholds are thought to be constructed of single-heat-treated case-hardened steel that were improperly subjected to excessive temperatures during the forging process.
Serial # 310922
 
Recall CO in the Great Raid movie has a M1903 for his rifle from movie The Great Raid.
Found odd when most carried M1 or Tommy guns etc then 1945
 
I owned a Remington 03-a3, sold it and regret it. Made in'43, one of the most accurate rifles I've owned in my life, slick and smooth and in "cared for" condition. Had it been a Springer I probably would have kept it.. Have collected a lot of ww2 rifles but the Remmie was one of (if not THE) most accurate of the bunch. Sold it because at the time I was into .308/7.62x51 battle rifles and the 03-a3 didn't fit the narrative.
 
The last CMP 03A3 I picked up had nice metal finish, and gauged with good TE & ME numbers but the Straight grip (Type S) stock was beat up, but I found my other original USGI Type C-stock and will swap the stocks out shortly.
 
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