US Remington 03-A3 30-06 questions

[Kreb]

Just picked this up and was wondering when it was made, 3910971? Also can modern ammo be used in this gun, anything special I need to know before sighting it in? Thanks.

 

[A-FIXER]

http://www.bowersweapons.com/US%20MODEL%201903%20RIFLE%20SERIAL%20NUMBER%20RANGES.htm
FOR THE DATE

And yes ensure that the unit is sound.

 

[USSR]

Kreb,

Your 03-A3 was made in July or August of 1943. If it retains the original barrel, the month and date should be stamped right behind the front sight. Any modern .30-06 ammo can be used in it. Enjoy.

Don

 

[rskent]

Pictures?

 

[Swampman]

How many grooves in the barrel?

 

[carbine85]

Yes you can shoot modern ammo in it and without pictures it didn't happen
The A3 was the last of the standard model 03's produced.

 

[tactikel]

My '03-A3 RA was made in 6/1944. It has a 2 groove barrel. I've found that 150 grain spitzers hit closest to the GI sight settings.
BTW mine loves 168 gr Sierra MatchKings over 4041. Scary accurate for a 70 year old rifle. The only upgrade I've made is to swap out the GI trigger for a Timney.

 

[kwg020]

I love mine but it kicks like a mule.

kwg

 

[Tom609]

If you reload, I found a good target load with reduced kick in my 03a3 is 42 gr of 4895 and a 150.

 

[Slamfire]

The receiver and bolt on a M1903A3 is made from 8620, which is a good alloy steel, and these rifles were made in a time when metallurgy was a mature science. A M1903A3 will be stronger than any of the single heat treat or double heat treat M1903's just due to the metal technology. None of the 03's actions handle gas worth a flip, so don't load the thing so hot that either the primer pierces or the case head blows. With these, always wear shooting glasses because hot gases vent directly down the firing pin shaft into your eye!

I have shot thousands of rounds in local club competitions in my M1903a3's, I can recommend a load that is close to the service rifle load:

150 grain bullet, 47.5 grains IMR 4895, any case, any primer.

An excellent target load is a 168 Match, 47.0 grains IMR 4895, any case, any primer.

I do recommend you buy the 20 lb Wolff mainspring and replace whatever vintage mainspring is in the rifle. Of the military actions on the market, for whatever reason, M1903 mainsprings take a set and provide rather asthmatic performance. A new mainspring will improve ignition and crispen the trigger pull.

 

[Steve in PA]

My pet load is .5 grains different from Slamfire1's. I load 47.0 grains of 4895 for my 150 grain bullets and my 03a3 is extremely accurate.

 

[Kreb]

Thanks for all the great information, I did get 150 grain bullets. It is the original barrel, the scope mounts were on tight and I chose to ask you folks instead of messing with it too much. Looking forward to some CA boar hunting with it. Any tips on that subject?

 

[35 Whelen]

I love mine. It was one of those that was once a parade rifle then was converted back to as-issued. The sweet thing is the guy installed and brand spanking new, still in the wrapper GI barrel dated. 12-43. The other sweet things is, it's crazy accurate. I've yet to taint her bore with a jacketed bullet:











35W

 

[Steve in PA]

My 1903A3 and one of the targets fired from 100 yards. Very, very accurate for such an old rifle and with open sights!