[Enfield]

This time of year it's indoor range and pistols. Milsurp rifle reloading and refurbishing.
The scant stock that came with this Remington was cracked and patched, so I replaced it with an unissued scant stock. I decided to use pure tung oil for the stock set.
The SN of the M1903A3 is Oct. 1943, and the barrel is dated Sept. 1943. Old, but accurate it deserved a better look. I will keep the old stock set.
The front sight hood, though not original, is based on one that the Marines used and did not require removal for firing. It also did not get lost.
The Remington A303 was intended to have a "C" pistol grip stock, but the blanks they had would not accommodate a full pistol grip. So, they made the "S" straight stock (very similar to the M1903) and the "Scant Grip" stock. The "S" stock was primarily used for the A303. When quantities of the "S" were low or as replacements the "Scant Grip" was used.
My rifle came with the "Scant Grip" stock and although it was on the rifle for many decades, whether original or replacement I don't know.
I like it's appearance and functionality for my shooting. It is similar to my Enfield No.4 Mk2. The M1A and Garand have the pistol grip stocks which I also like. Straight stock, not so much from a shooting stand point.

 

[WaM14gunner]

Very nice rifle! I have been enjoying mine as well, S stock, pretty hammered, 2 groove bbl., but man it shoots!

 

[twh]

The only oroginal 03A3 rifles issued with scant stocks were some of the 03a4s when they ran out of C stocks during production. All others are replacements so find you a nice Remington S stock and your good to go.

 

[WaM14gunner]

I believe an 03A3 is correct with any stock style, according to Dr. Thomas Mott in an article in the NRA reprint on the 03 rifles.

 

[POLACK]

http://www.trfindley.com/pgm1903stkid.html

 

[nf1e]

If she shoots well for you , that is what counts.
Love the 03 , 03A3 and the 03A4.
They are a real rifleman's rifle.

Semper Fi
Art

 

[Old Sarge]

I believe an 03A3 is correct with any stock style, according to Dr. Thomas Mott in an article in the NRA reprint on the 03 rifles.

That would be my understanding as well, according to the book, "The '03 Springfields" by Clark S.Campbell. Remington got the well worn tooling and fixtures that were in storage at Rock Island Arsenal, as well as a whole bunch of stock blanks. These blanks didn't have enough wood for a full pistol grip, but did have enough for a semi- pistol grip. Also known as a scant grip or warthog stock. Less drop in the heel and comb, and a little longer length of pull, made these stocks (and the full Type-C grip of course) much more pleasant to shoot. Both stocks, scant and full grip, were basically the same dimensions, except for the lack of wood in the pistol grip on the scant stocks.
How many Type-C or scant stocks were actually used as original, not replacement stocks, I have no idea. Any of these stocks without original cartouches are likely replacements.

 

[M14E2]

Stocks on rifles when originally assembled at the Remington factory would have the P proof and FJA cartouches , no?

 

[CavTrooper]

Nice rifle. Thanks for sharing. I love the classic straight stock, but agree that the scant is better for shooting.

 

[twh]

The only use of scant stocks on original production Reminton rifles was on some of the later 03a4s when they ran out of C stocks. My understanding is that other than that they were all used as replacements. Any original stock would be marked with the appropriate inspection stamps.

 

[HTDuckman]

Stocks on rifles when originally assembled at the Remington factory would have the P proof and FJA cartouches , no?

I recently acquired a 43 Remington 03A3 and that is exactly how it is marked.
It has a straight stock on it and it slaps the hell out of my jawbone when shooting it.

 

[Allen Humphrey]

Great looking rifle. I really don't mind the look of a scant stock but many people shun them. Regardless, they are part of the real history. Nice 4 groove remington barrel too. While maybe not "rare", it is not common.