1903A3 with a 4 groove barrel

[Gil Martin]

I am going to let a shooting buddy take my rifle to Camp Perry to shoot a match and he needs a bolt action military rifle. I dug a 1903A3 out of the safe and ran a few patches down the bore. Then I recalled why I bought the rifle. It is the only 4 groove 1903A3 I have ever seen. The rifle is a Remington with a barrel date of 12-42. It is all original except the lower barrel sling swivel is a milled 1903 type. The other metal parts are stamped. Looks like a transition rifle when Remington went from 1903A1s to 1903A3s and used what parts they had available. Anyone else ever come across a 4 groove 1903A3? All the best...
Gil.

[Adam Helmer]

Gil,

According to Bruce Canfield in his book, "U,S. Infantry Weapons of World War II", many barrels were subcontracted in WWII for the 03-A3. Most barrels were two groove and a few were four groove.

Adam

[Joe Boleo]

Sounds like you found a keeper. I did notice that Sarco and Gun Parts list both 2 groove and 4 groove barrels for the 1903A3. I agree that most of the 03-A3s I have ever seen had 2 groove barrels. Take care...
Joe