CMP 1903A3 at range and Questions.

[SomeKid]

Well, I finally got to take my Remington made 1903A3 I got from the CMP to the range.

CMP had said the barrels were shot out, well, they were undercutting themselves. My first three shots grouped up real nice at 100 yards. Dead center, tad low. (And the low was easily corrected.) A friend of mine with very little rifle experience was hitting the target pretty consistently at 100 yds. The rifle is just dang good.

The questions I had, was someone had posted a link that could tell you lots of information about your rifle, based off the serial number. I wouldn't mind knowing the history of my rifle, can anyone help me there?

Also, I had heard 1903A4 models were marked A3. I know it is a longshot, and probably not a chance, but is there a way I can check and see if my A3 is really an A4?

 

[Sunray]

"...is there a way..." Yep. The 'A4's came with no iron sights. The cut out is there for the front, but it was not installed. Plus the serial number is offset on the receiver.
It's highly unlikely that anyone would turn an A4 into an A3, but stranger things have happened. Sold one to a kid from the shop I worked in long ago. The kid promptly butchered it then complained that it didn't shoot. He had cut off the forestock with a hand saw and removed the hand guards.
This one will tell you when your rifle was made. http://armscollectors.com/sn/usmildates.htm
Unfortunately, other than that, most info, like where and to whom it got issued, just doesn't exist.
You'll find that it really likes 165 grain hunting bullets and 168 grain match bullets. Both with IMR4064.

 

[U.S.SFC_RET]

1903A3s are known to be very accurate, especially if you have the two groove barrel. I have a sporter with lyman sights with a marble tang sight that just covers up the 6" targetand leaves very tight groups.

 

[MechAg94]

I shoot my tightest groups with my 1903A3. 1.5" or so with LC surplus from CMP. I like the gun. The sights work well for me.

I have an M1917 that shoots decently even thought the barrel is corroded from parade use. The entire rifle is chromed as well. Still gets 6" or 8" groups with surplus. I would get another barrel if I knew where to look.

 

[mukluk]

Click for M1917 barrel

 

[mustanger98]

SomeKid, What's your rifle's barrel markings? And how many grooves? I have a Nat'l Ordnance build... it's a two-groove marked RA 8-44. I know an older gentleman who shoots a Remington '03A3 target sporter with a two-groove marked 6-44 with cast lead with real good results.

 

[MechAg94]

Thanks for the link mukluk. Now does anyone know a gun smith around the Houston area who can do the finish work on the barrel and install it?