Let me preface my questions with a statement. I don't know squat about Springfields. A friend showed up at the shop today with a Remington 03-A3. Everything original as far as I can tell. Barrel was full of grease (cosmoline)? Tube looks pristine. Serial 3368145. Stock grip stamped with FJA inside rectangle and crossed crossed cannons over some sort of wreath. I also found 1-43 stamp and what looks like a squid stamped below a double dovetail on bottom of barrel. Three swivels-front swivel is split with 1/4" opening. Stamped On wood in front of floor plate: 6 inside triangle, 12 inside of of circle and 5 and 8 inside of squares.Also a P inside circle behind trigger guard and a 15 inside circle stamped on the bolt shroud. Found a note inside trap buttplate-hard to read looks like 1961 on a waxed paper that is disintergrating. My young friend paid $250 at an estate auction. He plans to shoot the rifle as-is, and will not alter it. He says it has the "cool" factor. Any and all info would be appreciated. Marty has no plans to sell the rifle, but is very curious about its history and value.

Lots of info on 1903s here:

http://m1903.com/

Do some on-line research. I don't have my books with me, but here is some info.

The M1903A3 rifle was made between 1942 and 1944. 1-43 stamped on the barrel just below the front sight indicates the barrel was mfg in January, 1943. The serial number also falls in the January 1943 timeframe and serves as the date of mfg. The bbl is original to that receiver. There are only two swivels, the top (split) being the stacking swivel and the lower being the upper sling swivel (OK, there is a third swivel on the buttstock - the lower sling swivel).
The wood markings indicate it coul.d be an original M1903A3 stock - it should be straight behind the trigger guard - no pistol or semi-pistol grip - and the markings support this. There should also be a "R" on the left side near the boxed FJA and crossed cannon marks. All metal parts should be marked with an "R", if it hasn't been rebuilt, which is unlikely.

Once cleaned, the rifle, barring any other issues found while disassembling and cleaning, is eminently shootable. Internet sights can be found which will guide your friend through dis- assembly, cleaning and re-assembly. The book I recommend for beginners is by Bruce N. Canfield "An Illustrated Guide to the '03 SPRINGFIELD SERVICE RIFLE".

I hope he enjoys it. I have four '03A3s in my collection, two Remingtons and two Smith-Coronas - they were the only mfg of M1903A3 rifles.

Headspace is fine and Wally World Remington 150CL put 3 shots into 1.5" at 100 yards. The old Springfield is going buck hunting in the morning.