Remington 1903 bolt action

[ccarroll@townisp.com]

Morning
I was looking at a guys rifle collection and he showed me the prize of his bolt action collection. It was a Remington 1903 number 18000 or so with a 12/41 barrel. Has all correct r marks on parts and NZ with number on stock. Bright bore.
Is this a rare rifle? Is it more valuable than other Remington rifles? It is a very nice looking rifle and he has invited me to the range and fires nicely.
Thanks
Chuck Carroll

[Mark1]

Remington M1903 rifles started with serial 3,000,100.

[ChuckyPete]

There’s probably a “30” ahead of that 18000, which would jive with the barrel date and NZ. I would say yes that the early Rem 03’s are desirable to collectors and that’s probably one of the reasons it’s the prize of the gentleman’s collection.

Remington serial number ranges: http://www.vishooter.net/ra_serialization.txt

Remington 1903 receiver/barrel chart: http://www.vishooter.net/R03.txt

Hope this helps with your research.

[Rick the Librarian]

Originally Posted by Mark1

Remington M1903 rifles started with serial 3,000,100.

Nope... actually 3,000,000.

[Rick the Librarian]

I had 3,003,256 at one point. A beaut.

[Mark1]

Woooops you are correct 3,000,000. Typo on my part.

[MajDave]

I have 3038703 which has RLB boxed and ordinance stamp on the stock. Also, has British proof stamps on receiver and barrel. I believe original barrel with R.A. 11-41 markings. It has unfortunately been lightly sanded where the red paint was and has only a few very small dents in that areas with remnants of red paint. This is definitely one of my nicest rifles.

[John Beard]

Originally Posted by ccarroll@townisp.com

Morning
I was looking at a guys rifle collection and he showed me the prize of his bolt action collection. It was a Remington 1903 number 18000 or so with a 12/41 barrel. Has all correct r marks on parts and NZ with number on stock. Bright bore.
Is this a rare rifle? Is it more valuable than other Remington rifles? It is a very nice looking rifle and he has invited me to the range and fires nicely.
Thanks
Chuck Carroll

Answers are as follows:

(1) About 20,000 rifles were loaned to the Kiwis, returned after the war, and sold as surplus.

(2) In most cases, yes.

J.B.

[ccarroll@townisp.com]

Thank you for your help.