Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

Remington 1903, 30-06. I'd say it's in good to very good condition. They guy also had a Krag-Jorgenson 30-40 carbine that was just about pristine, but he wanted a war debt for it, so I let him keep it. Amazing how slick and butter-smooth that action is. Better than any modern bolt action I've handled, I do believe.

Very nice! That looks super clean.

They can be very accurate and fun to shoot.

I'd recommend 150 grain bullets if you buy commercial ammo. They should kick less than 180's.

Also, if you know how to use a sling when shooting, that will help absorb some of the recoil as well.

I have not shot my 03 since about 1979 or 1980. Shot five shots, off hand, 25 yds. into a quarter sized group with my dad and brother watching. Its just too uncomfortable to shoot for me. Long arms and a short little butt stock (mines a 1918 gun) just beats the crap out my nose/cheek because I'm right up on the back of the receiver instead of on the stock a couple inches behind the receiver.

A3 right?? Been a while. Aren't the early 03's not safe to shoot??

Oakes wrote:A3 right?? Been a while. Aren't the early 03's not safe to shoot??

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Not an A3. A3s, I reckon, had the sights behind the receiver. This is just a plain old 03, but a late model one. Early '40s, I think. (seems like I saw that when I looked it up - maybe '42.)

The A3 model was started in the 1930s. The distinguishing feature of this variant is an aperture sight on the back of the receiver, in place of the original ladder-type sight on the barrel.

FiremanBob wrote:The A3 model was started in the 1930s. The distinguishing feature of this variant is an aperture sight on the back of the receiver, in place of the original ladder-type sight on the barrel.

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'Zaxktly. I should have said sights behind the bolt. No sleep all weekend. I'm a Zombie.

When Springfield Armory switched over to M1 Garand production they had to find someone else to make 03's for troops in training. They were struggling to get enough M1's made (they were also working hard to get Winchester set up to make M1 Garands).

The contracted Remington to make 03 Springfields. It wasn't until after the war started and production really was pushed hard that they came up with the idea of using the stamped parts to replace some of the more costly/time consuming milled parts on the 03. The guns with the stamped parts and the peep sight on the rear of the receiver was the 03A3. A "sniper" version of the 03A3 was developed and it was called the 03A4. All the stamped parts of the A3, but no sights, a Redfield Jr. scope base and the serial number/rifle designation moved to the sides of the front receiver so the scope base wouldn't cover them.

Smith Corona also made 03A3's during WW2, but not as many as Remington made.

There were a lot of 03's and 03A3's in combat. The Marines carried them the first couple years of the war and some US Army units carried them as well. I had my 03A3 over at the country store a few miles from home one day and this old timer's eyes lit up and he asked if he could "see" my rifle. I handed it to him and he went to telling his wife, me and my buddy about carrying one of "these rifles" in Italy during the war. Winter, mountains, lots of rain/freezing rain/snow and their M1 Garands were having issues. He said they had to march off the mountain, pass through a big tent, lay their M1's in the pile of other M1's and march to another tent where they were issued 03's. He said they got through the rest of the winter with no issues out of the 03's.

My grandfather was a WW1 Marine and at Belleau Woods and Chateau Thierry. This is where the USA established their reputation as the Devil Dogs!!
He was one of three to make it back. They we actually issued Springfields and he brought a camera with him to WW1. Would love to find a 1917 Springfield 03. I was told the early rifles were not to be shot but not 100% sure on the reasoning. Thought it was a heat treating process.
I have lots of newspaper clippings where they interviewed him. Hope to take his uniform, helmet, pictures and news clippings to the Marine museum in VA soon.

I have some pictures (well, mom has them) of grand dad in uniform with an 03 and bayonet in his WW1 uniform. He was in the 3rd Inf. Div.

The Army trained with 03's here in the states but were issued M1917's when they got to Europe to fight.

Oakes,much respect for your grandfather.semper fi