Hello all, here is today's article posted on TheArmoryLife.com. It is titled "A Second-Generation Springfield — The M1903A3" and can be found at https://www.thearmorylife.com/a-second-generation-springfield-the-m1903a3/.
A Second-Generation Springfield — The M1903A3
- Thread starter Mike H.
- Start date
Keystone19250
SAINT
Although a good article it’s to bad there isn’t a few pictures of the rifle up close.
Keystone19250
SAINT
The pistol grip long stock has always been my favorite also.Although I have each of the A3 stock styles my favorite is the C-Stock.
The S-stock with forend grooves were only used on the original 1903 model.
I had one of these given to me that was still in cosmoline . I striped it , cleaned it all up and then decided that I couldn't do anything with it since I can't walk very far. I gave it back to my sister .Although I have each of the A3 stock styles my favorite is the C-Stock.
The S-stock with forend grooves were only used on the original 1903 model.
I sure did enjoy taking it apart and cleaning it up though.
C. Sumpin
Custom
I was in the last Company of basic training (late '63) (Ft. Knox, KY.) to qualify with the M1, thereafter the M-14 was standard issue. The M1 was a brute. The range officer/trainer stressed bone to bone contact; that is the area between the thumb joints in solid contact with the cheek bone during sighting/firing. My face was swollen/sore for days after qualifying.
Talyn
SAINT
NOTE: Any 1903A3 that's stamped Santa Fe (made by Golden State Firearms) or National Ordnance on the front receiver bridge are NOT original USGI 1903A3's.
These were post-WW2 investment-cast aftermarket receivers built up in the 50's/60's (Golden State Firearms) and 1962 to 1972 (National Ordnance) using surplus USGI 1903A3 parts.
Santa Fe
National Ordnance - Chapter V 1903A3's
Neither Santa Fe nor National Ordnance A3's are NOT highly thought of by knowledgeable Springfield 1903 aficionados due to safety concerns.
These were post-WW2 investment-cast aftermarket receivers built up in the 50's/60's (Golden State Firearms) and 1962 to 1972 (National Ordnance) using surplus USGI 1903A3 parts.
Santa Fe
National Ordnance - Chapter V 1903A3's
Neither Santa Fe nor National Ordnance A3's are NOT highly thought of by knowledgeable Springfield 1903 aficionados due to safety concerns.
Blackstarr
Alpha
I have one that started life in 1913 was rebarrled 7-43 sportrized 11-62 but nowhere on this rifle is it marked 30-06 it's considered a part's gun and can't legally be sold not that i would i considered it my backup to my M1a
Talyn
SAINT
If the receiver build date is 1913 it's not an 1903A3 but the original 1903 model.
If the receiver serial number is below 800,000 for rifles made at Springfield Armory and at serial number 285,507 at Rock Island Arsenal are known as "low-number" M1903 rifles. Receivers below those thresholds are thought to be constructed of single-heat-treated case-hardened steel that were improperly subjected to excessive temperatures during the forging process.
Blackstarr
Alpha
Serial # 310922
Talyn
SAINT
Blackstarr
Alpha
Rockisland found it in a pawnshop couple years ago pretty ruff cleaned up good nice deer rifle
Talyn
SAINT
Looks like you're GTG with it being above the threshold.
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Blackstarr
Alpha
Thank youLooks like you're GTG with it being above the threshold.
D
Dun
Guest
I owned a Remington 03-a3, sold it and regret it. Made in'43, one of the most accurate rifles I've owned in my life, slick and smooth and in "cared for" condition. Had it been a Springer I probably would have kept it.. Have collected a lot of ww2 rifles but the Remmie was one of (if not THE) most accurate of the bunch. Sold it because at the time I was into .308/7.62x51 battle rifles and the 03-a3 didn't fit the narrative.
