Info on the 03-A3 (not fancy - inherited)

[curtix]

So I inherited this Remington 03-A3 with a scope and weaver mounts.
I did some google'ing and found lots of information but wanted thoughts form the community.
Will shoot it this weekend and see how it does.
See photos.
Was this gun milspec at one time and now has been "sporterized" by tapping through the model number for front scope mount.
I also note - no holes in the front for a front site?
Sorry I am a gun noob.

 

[303tom]

03-A3 YES........used to milspec, looks like a good job, should shoot fine.........

 

[Float Pilot]

Looks like she will be a good shooter and meat getter. Is she a Remington action or Smith Corona action? Two groove rifling or four groove?

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

I like the bolt handle. I'd sure be interested to know whether it or in fact the entire rifle was at one time a Remington '03-A4? Is there any writing on the top of the barrel at a couple inches back from the muzzle?

Maybe you could post a picture of the manufacturer's info on the top of the receiver?

 

[BrocLuno]

If it was a civilian version, it would be a model other than 03-A3. If it says 03-A3 anywhere on it, it was military and has been sporterized (nicely done). It may shoot better than an original military rifle if the stock were fitted better & free floated? I'd be proud of what it is - a classic well done conversion when such things were the norm, back in the day

 

[Float Pilot]

Just from the photos, I can see that the trigger-guard / magazine floor plate is a stamped 1903A3 version. The trigger itself looks like an 30-A3 version. The bolt shroud / cocking piece is also a 1903-A3 type (non-Remington) made by either Smith Corona, Bay Parts, or Bonney Forge and Tool.
The safety is a Buhler type aftermarket two position scope safety.

 

[curtix]

Thanks for all the info.
Its says Remington under the front scope mount and "Model 03-A3" of course.
I just got done cleaning it and took a couple more photos while I had it apart.
Of the stock and the numbers..

 

[Float Pilot]

I have a few older rifles with the same recoil pad. Some of them are becoming hard and are starting to crack. But installing a new recoil pad is fairly easy.

 

[curtix]

...and you hit the nail on the head.
I am going to replace the recoil pad and put a better scope on it.
The scope that is / was on it "Pacific 4X Deluxe".

 

[Al Thompson]

Very nice rifle.

 

[curtix]

Thanks - where can I get a new recoil pad?
Suggestion (gun noob)

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

The "White Line" pads from Brownell's still have the retro look to keep your 03 pretty. They have a couple three so be sure to look at all of them. I'm replacing a 60's Browning's White Line with a new one from Brownell's myself.

 

[curtix]

Nice thanks - also how does "grind away" work and how to I make sure I get the right size?
Sorry to thread-jack my own thread.
Also wondering if that Pacific 4x scope is worth anything?

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

Just guessin' here, but, from your photos you'll probably want a "Large" which helps in limiting your options some.

The grinding is based on the assumption that when you get the correct raw pad it will be over-sized enough to custom grind the outside oval size to match your stock's butt.

One way to do it is if your current one comes away cleanly you can use it as a template but only if it is perfectly symmetrical (if not, in a face to face matching it will be "mirror image" opposite). If it isn't (symmetrical) you can use the old one to stencil a piece of any hard plastic slightly oversize and then mark the outside edge of the template with a sharpie or the like to let you know if you've violated the original dimensions as you grind the raw pad down to the template dimensions.

It's perfectly common for the finished pad to be ever so slightly oversized as long as the extra is consistent all around the oval. Remember that your walnut stock is more likely to vary in dimension due to humidity, temperature and cleaning/maintenance oils than the pad so a perfect match is generally only temporary.

As a practice item, once you are certain you won't be needing the old one it might be useful to practice fit it to a smaller rifle you may have laying about.

There are myriad ways to do it on the stock but as your stock is already finished and quite beautiful and the possibility of running into your wood exists - I'd say patience and away from the wood is the best bet.

Good luck - Regards, Todd.

 

[curtix]

Thanks for the info but in reference to what I use to "Grind" - do I need a sharp knife or something else?

 

[Float Pilot]

Belt sander.
Many gunsmith shops have a jig which allows the new pad to be ground against a big disc sander right to the correct shape.
Limb Saver and Pachmeyer make lots of various sizes and you may come up with one that is pretty close to begin with....

 

[curtix]

Great thanks!
Hope to get that and a new scope int he next few weeks.

 

[dmazur]

A couple of suggestions on sanding -

1. A belt sander is ideal, but not common. A standard orbital sander can be used, carefully. Takes much longer.

2. If you can't get the special jig, you can sand the recoil pad after you mount it to your rifle. I would apply a layer of colored tape to your stock right in front of the recoil pad (maybe blue, like you get at a paint supply house) followed by white tape. Try very hard not to sand through the tape. If you see blue, stop and retape everything! The white tape is your "safety margin".

 

[curtix]

I will try the orbital sander and tape method. Good idea on the two tapes. Might use Blue on Black electrical since the topside of Electrical tape is kinda slick...
Thanks for the tips

 

[Float Pilot]

Here is a Husqvarna lightweight 30-06 (1640 action) made in 1956.
One photo shows the old cracked recoil pad and the next is the Limb Saver black pad that was sanded into shaped. I used the two tape method, BUT, I was in too much of a hurry and let the pad get a little too warm. So it looks a little odd. Plus it was SUPER BIG to start with.

I meant to install another but ever got around to it. Now after a couple years of shooting and hunting with that rifle;e, it seems that the pad has lost that goofy look.

 

[Al Thompson]

Curtix, as regards the scope, shoot it first. I'm not familiar with the brand, but it may work just fine.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

I'm with Al ^^^. I'd guess the Pacific is a Japanese import and thus, probably a pretty decent scope as manufactured. Taking a hint from the quality of the rest of he rifle - I'd give 'er a go and keep it period for now unless you find fault in the scope either through age or performance.

 

[curtix]

Its fixed 4x and would like something adjustable.
Someone from on here wants to buy it - but I might just keep it and get a cheap variable to stick on there.