M1903A4 Remington 1943

[JvanL]

I have a M1903a4 Remington in fine condition with the original M84 scope and mount attached. The Scope is missing the top elevation knob cover. The only problem I have with this piece is the "C" stock was cut off just forward of the barrel band retainer. I was told this was a standard proctice to cut off the forward end of the stock to create a smaller profile of the barrel end of the rifle and to eliminate the front band and bayonet lug. Have any of you heard or seen this type of field modification?

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[BasraBoy]

Re: M1903A4 Remington 1943

I've seen pictures of what was called the "Bushmaster Carbine" - essentially a 1903 with a cut down stock and the barrel shortened to 18"...a kind of Yank version of the No5 Jungle carbine

They were converted by the US Army Panama Canal Dept in early '42. 4,725 of these were made with a very wide spread of serial numbers. Only ever seen it mentioned in Canfield's book " Guide to the'03 Springfield Service Rifle" and on p82 of Brophy's book.

Canfield says do NOT pay a premium for one unless it has indisputable provenance!!!

Is this the rifle you mean?

Never seen a pic of a scoped one though.....

Pics?

 

[JvanL]

Re: M1903A4 Remington 1943

Thank you for the information BarsaBoy. I tried to attach pictures, but not certain they will upload.

 

[oneshot onekill]

Re: M1903A4 Remington 1943

Your rifle looks to have been sporterized after the War. Not something that would have been modified in the field. Sending you a PM...

It looks to be a legit 03A4, but with the stock cut like that the originality can not be regained.

 

[JvanL]

Re: M1903A4 Remington 1943

XARMOR... Thanks for the "Duffle Bag" input. That seems very plausable. The Serial number is 3,411,xxx. I will take the stock off and look for barrel markings. I know very little about 03s and even less about 03A4s.
In the US Army, I was a depot-level small arms repairman/inspector. I have a C&R and specialize in M1911s.
Thanks Again - JvanL

 

[Mudcat-NC]

Re: M1903A4 Remington 1943

Duffle bag cut. Had it been done in the field, the bbl would have been shortened too. No reason to cut down the stock and leave the bbl sticking out there.

Still an A4, and thats always cool. Scope can probably be repaired and you can find a replacement stock, just not easy.

 

[oneshot onekill]

Re: M1903A4 Remington 1943

I think XARMOR meant actually on the stock, Not under it. The barrels on A4's were not special or "match-grade" barrels. The markings on the barrel will be the same as any 03A3. The marks on the stock will indicate rebuild if there are more than the standard "RA", "Crossed Cannons" and "FJA". Oh, and just a "P" under the wrist.

 

[JvanL]

Re: M1903A4 Remington 1943

Wow ... Good information. I will check for additional markings when I return home. I do recall the left side of the shock marked with "FJA" and I believe "RA".
Thank you !!

 

[JvanL]

Re: M1903A4 Remington 1943

XARMOR...FJA.. I've seen that on M1911a1s. It would be nice to find an uncut stock, I will check MilSurp
The nice thing about this A4 is the screws in the rifle and scope mount appear unturned. (Don't ya hate it when folks butcher screwheads?)

 

[RickH11]

Re: M1903A4 Remington 1943

The Bushmaster 03s from the Canal Zone supposedly were never returned to the States but were supposed dumped into the ocean at the end of the war. I don't think one real one has ever been documented post war.