I have finally taken my Remington M1903 rifle (dated 5-42 on the barrel) out and did some shooting with it. The load was a Winchester 147gr. FMJ over H335 powder, chronoing around 2700fps. It was close to zero at 100 yards, and at 200 yards was shooting around 2" high and 2" left (from the bench). Being new to the 1903, I was not the best at getting the adjustments centered.

1 - are there some tips from old 1903 shooters on adjusting the rear sight?

2 - this rear sight is a replacement, but it is loose as it sits on the receiver stud. How can I tighten that up?

First question: Is this rifle an M1903 or an M1903A3? Remington made both and either could have a 5-42 barrel. Ladder sight forward of the chamber ('03) or a peep sight mounted on the rear of the receiver ('03A3)? Got pics?

I have to get my picture posting back in order, but it is a 1903 (not 03a3); it has the ladder sight forward of the chamber. When the ladder is laid down you have a notch 'battle sight', but when you flip the ladder up, you have the choice of a notch or peep depending on which part of the sight you align on the range lines.

All my Springfields are locked up, so I'm doing this strictly from memory. I know what you mean by stating the sight is loose on the stud. As I recall, it is mounted and dismounted by turning the windage adjustment screw to its' max. It is possible that the screw threads are simply worn out. I suggest you try another rear sight assembly or, at minimum, a new windage screw. If that doesn't solve the problem, I'd have to examine it. You might try to find a local collector to consult with in your area.

Best of luck. They are incredible rifles and I have perhaps a dozen in different configurations, including a number of Remingtons, which became my favorite. The Remington M1903s, especially the early ones from late 1941 and the first few months of 1942, were built on worn out equipment but are really well built rifles, IMO.

If you post your serial number I can tell you when your rifle was made - the barrel date is not the production date but may be matching. Do try to post some pics.

Sorry about the delay - had to get back onto posting photos.

I believe I found the answer to my problem with a little paint. Several layers of black paint (letting it dry between coats) went on the inside walls of the opening on the bottom of the sight. It fits on snugly now, but still can be adjusted left/right. This rifle will not see heavy use, so it will work for me.

Can't see your pic.??? Glad you found a fix.

Hm, will have to fix that. Thanks

Oh, and the serial number is 3157723.

Your Remington M1903 was produced in July 1942, so a barrel dated 5-42 would be correct and you can consider the receiver and barrel to be correct and original. That doesn't mean the rifle is correct and original and it very likely is not, simply because of how often these rifles have been re-built using new or used small parts.

Sometimes U.S.G.I. armory re-builds had the initials of the armory that did the re-build stamped into the stock wood, along with the inspectors initials.

BTW, the early Remingtons had virtually all parts stamped with an "R".

Yes, the bulk of the parts on this rifle have the "R" mark on them, though not all. It is in good shape and a good shooter, which is fine for me.

Thanks for the info.