Non-CMP SC1903A3 from todays gunshow....

[canes7]

I've always needed an 03A3 to fill a gap in my collection. I figured a SC would be just the thing. I really didn't take too much interest in the CMP's offerings recently because of the VFW returns were release a couple years ago. I needed some powder and primers too so off to the gunshow I go. I didn't know much about 03A3's but felt I'd know enough when the time came.

Details:

SN - 4,728,902
Barrel - SC 6-43, 4 groove, muzzle is just less than 0, OK crown and bore is mint
Headspaces perfect.
Bolt - Seems to be all SC from what I've read. One inconsistancy is that it has a 1 and an X stamped in the handle. I read that the 1 is early and the X means late. Maybe I've got a mid-production?
Stock is in very good condition. I am not sure if it's an SC or Remington, it has a Remington buttplate. FJA, ord. wheel, flaming bomb on the tip and a rebuild stamp.
Trigger is creepy and rather crappy feeling. I'll take care of that as I think this is going to be a great shooting rifle.

Pics:

[Prince Humperdink]

I would say"nice Rifle",or "congrats Bro",but it doesn't have a certificate,so it is junk

[canes7]

I would say"nice Rifle",or "congrats Bro",but it doesn't have a certificate,so it is junk

Shit. Where are those "CMP Certified" guys at so I can get my rifle certified?

[toolman]

I bought a S.C several years ago. beautiful weapon. Hangs on the wall in my gun safe. peace toolman

[jak]

What size is the circle "P" proof mark ? Remington is 7/16" , Smith Corona is 1/2". Check the cutout on the right side where the barrel band spring is located. If the front of the cutout is square, it's Remington, if it's round, it's S/C.
The barrel should be correct for your s/n range. The pins in the stock were used in early production rifles and later changed to the stock bolts.

[melloman]

Very nice rifle. I have a Remington. Has more recoil than my Garand though. I need to take breaks when shooting it at the range to give my shoulder a rest.

[Roadkingtrax]

Nice looking SC 03a3.

[Rick B]

I always thought the FJA out of a box was rebuild period. Could someone have replaced this stock?

Very nice rifle. Rick B

[canes7]

I always thought the FJA out of a box was rebuild period. Could someone have replaced this stock?

Very nice rifle. Rick B

That makes perfect sense to me. To add to this there is a P, but it is not in a square or circle, like a rebuild. There is a rebuild stamp on the left side it a boxed "O.something" kinda like an OGEK or whatever but not all there. Then there is the ord. wheel? Did rebuilds get stamped with that? I wondering if maybe someone added a stamp or two to a rebuild stock. I'm not too concerned about it. It would be cool to have an all original SC, but this one is more about filling a hole in the collection and having a bolt gun for vintage matches than a correct collector rifle.

[jak]

Check the lightening hole under the buttplate. If it's not drilled out, it's a S/C. Are there any inspector stamps in front of the trigger guard ?