Skip to main content

U.S. 1903A3 Military Rifle Sporter: Who Made It?

This sporterized U.S. 1903A3 .30-'06 Springfield was made by Remington in 1943. Here are the details.

U.S. 1903A3 Military Rifle Sporter: Who Made It?

Remington Model 1903A3, .30-’06 Springfield, 70%: $450 

Question: I have a .30-’06 rifle with the following marks, both on the receiver and the barrel. On the tip of the barrel there’s a bomb or cannonball with what looks like flames, and a center punch indent inside along with the numbers “9 43”. The receiver has “U.S.” stamped on it and the serial number is “3549XXX”. Could you provide any information as to the make of the rifle?

 -J.I. via Email

Answer: Your rifle is a nice sporter made up from a U.S. 1903A3 military rifle. The serial number indicates the gun was manufactured by Remington in March 1943, although the barrel date is for September 1943. Still, this could be the barrel original to the receiver, as there was often some mixing and matching at the factory. The gunsmith did a very creditable job on this piece scoping it, modifying the bolt handle and adding an extended safety. It’s a handsome piece. 

-Garry James




Current Magazine Cover

Enjoy articles like this?

Subscribe to the magazine.

Get access to everything Guns & Ammo has to offer.
Subscribe to the Magazine

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

Handgun Editor James Tarr is a former police officer and private investigator who describes his journey to becoming a US...
Rifles

Best Affordable Rimfire Lever Action?

Handgun Editor James Tarr is a former police officer and private investigator who describes his journey to becoming a US...
Personal Defense

AR-15 for Home Defense

Handgun Editor James Tarr is a former police officer and private investigator who describes his journey to becoming a US...
Personal Defense

Target Transitions

Handgun Editor James Tarr is a former police officer and private investigator who describes his journey to becoming a US...
Optics

Red Dot Sights

Handgun Editor James Tarr is a former police officer and private investigator who describes his journey to becoming a US...
Personal Defense

Room Clearing with a Light

Handgun Editor James Tarr is a former police officer and private investigator who describes his journey to becoming a US...
Personal Defense

Malfunctions

Handgun Editor James Tarr is a former police officer and private investigator who describes his journey to becoming a US...
Personal Defense

AR-15 Basics

Handgun Editor James Tarr is a former police officer and private investigator who describes his journey to becoming a US...
Personal Defense

Lighting Techniques

Handgun Editor James Tarr is a former police officer and private investigator who describes his journey to becoming a US...
Personal Defense

Appendix Draw

Handgun Editor James Tarr is a former police officer and private investigator who describes his journey to becoming a US...
Personal Defense

Follow Through

Handgun Editor James Tarr is a former police officer and private investigator who describes his journey to becoming a US...
Personal Defense

Drawing from Hip Carry

Handgun Editor James Tarr is a former police officer and private investigator who describes his journey to becoming a US...
Other

Introducing James Tarr

Guns and Ammo Magazine Covers Print and Tablet Versions

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Digital Now Included!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Give a Gift   |   Subscriber Services

PREVIEW THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

Buy Digital Single Issues

Magazine App Logo

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Get the Guns & Ammo App apple store google play store

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Get the top Guns & Ammo stories delivered right to your inbox every week.

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All Guns and Ammo subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Enjoying What You're Reading?

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.

Offer only for new subscribers.

Subscribe Now

Never Miss a Thing.

Get the Newsletter

Get the top Guns & Ammo stories delivered right to your inbox every week.

By signing up, I acknowledge that my email address is valid, and have read and accept the Terms of Use