1903-A3

partsman · 11-07-2009, 10:50 AM

I have a "Remington" 1903-A3, #4,000,000. I have been told this rifle is of cheaper quality than the original 1903 Springfield. To me it seems to be a very well put together weapon. Full military, no modifications. Looks nice shoots straight, kills deer well out to 300yds. Then its my eyes not the rifle. Anybody's opinion?

moleman · 11-07-2009, 11:13 AM

Yes it has some stamped parts on it and a parkerized finish, not the milled and blued finish of the 1903. For shooting and not looking at though, I like the 1903A3 rifle better.

Blazerbender · 11-07-2009, 12:52 PM

Like Moleman says the fittings and none critical parts are stamped, they also didn't recieve as much polishing as prewar '03's did. Also a great many had 2 groove barrels, which the Ordnance department deemed to have comparable accuracy to 4 groove barrels.

Tommo · 11-08-2009, 06:01 AM

They work great, it was the first high power rifle that I owned.

**mtdew** · 11-09-2009, 01:12 PM

According to legend the ordnance dept orderered the bbl to have 2 grooves instead of 4 to speed production and it is said the 2 groove is a little more accurate. Can anyone comment if this is true or not?

partsman · 11-09-2009, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtdew

According to legend the ordnance dept orderered the bbl to have 2 grooves instead of 4 to speed production and it is said the 2 groove is a little more accurate. Can anyone comment if this is true or not?

My daddy rest his soul, worked at the remmington arms factory during WWII, He was in the R&D dept. He told me they designed the .30-06 to be shot accurately in the M1. This bullet configuration does shoot well in the 03a3. BUT he said the Enfield 1917 was more accurate with its multiple lands. I have had both and can't see a whole lot of difference. Add this to your urban legends, cuz I don't know if it is true.

Blazerbender · 11-09-2009, 11:20 PM

I read an article in American Rifleman some years ago on this, which my statement originated from, but IIRC the Smith Corona's had 6 groove barrels and some state they are more accurate. Whether they are shooting the same Milspec ammo to make the comparison or handloads I don't know. I've wanted to get an SC just to see for myself, it would be all in fun and a credible excuse to procure another rifle