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Posted: 6/20/2005 11:18:44 AM EDT
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Just got my new 1903A3 Springfield from the CMP. It was manufactered by Remington in 1942. IT's in the 41xxxxx serial number range, and has a different number stenciled into the bolt. It appears to be in very good condition. Just trying to find out some info on it, especially anything I might need to know about it. Also, when did the Marines switch over to the M1 Garand? I know they used the '03 Springfield for a while in the war, but not sure when they switched. Thanks for any replies. |
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They were still using 1903 Springfields at the start of Guadalcanal. Dennis Jenkins
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If your rifle's serial number is in the 41xxxxx range, it was made in late '43 or early '44. The serial number dating on oldguns.net or m1903.com is incorrect, and almost always shows the date as "1942." Here's a link to a more accurate data table: http://home.att.net/~vishooter/m1903.html Congratulations on your new rifle, could you give us a timeline as to when you mailed your order and when your rifle was delivered? Thanks. |
| Question I have is I am trying to remove the stock to clean all the cosmoline up, especially in the reciever area. Having a little trouble. I followed the directions and I got most everything done but I am unable to remove the upper band or even to get it to move. I loosened the screw that holds it on and the thing won't even budge. Anyone got any suggestions? |
| Any 30-06 ammo should be ok in the 03A3's. The problem is in the M1 Garand which has specific requirements for what ammo works properly in it. Yes, the low serial number '03's are unsafe to shoot. These all have serial numbers below 800,000 or so. I hope yours is a accurate as my Mark I 03. It breaks clays at 200 yards without any problems. |
*ALL* 1903A3's are safe to shoot. It is *ONLY* 1903's that have low serial numbered rifles that are unsafe to shoot. |
Right, thats what I meant. I didn't phrase the question properly. |
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The upper band screw must be removed completely to remove the band...it goes all the way through the stock.... If the gun has a s/n bolt...it is a Greek gun, guns that were loaned or sold to Greece, then brought back by the CMP. 03's and 03A3's in foriegn service were the only ones to have the bolts s/n to the gun (well except of A4's). |
| I got my '03-A3 from CMP two weeks ago and was very happy. During the breakdown process, I couldn't get the pin holding the front sight out, so the bands wouldn't come off. Is there any trick to this? Also having problems removing the buttplate because the rear screw seems immobile. Any suggestions? Otherwise, everything looks great and other than the stock, it seems to have seen little use. Going to the gunsmith next week to get it guaged. |
That's the same problem I am having. |
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Here is a great guide to the disassembly of the '03. www.surplusrifle.com/03a3/rifledisassemble/index.asp CD |
| I have a 1943 1903A3 Smith Corona with a 2 groove barrel. Man let me tell you it looks wieord looking through the barrel at 2 grooves. I thought my barrel rifleing was worn out when I first got it. The rifle looks nearly Brand new. CMP a big kudo's. And it is a tack driver. Unbelieveable. Scary from the bench. WarDawg |
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