I just picked up a 03 with this stock marking can anybody tell me what it means. B.A.WII

Thanks

There is an 03 collectors forum at
http://www.jouster.com/cgi-bin/03/03config.pl
They usually can answer any questions on 03's

The only “B.A.†marking I found is from Benicia Arsenal (arsenal rebuilds)...but no reference to the addition of “WWII†after those letters. There is a “B.A./WL“ but no B.A./WWII shown. It also states that these letters are inclosed inside a rectangle.

Thanks rick it is a BAWII I had another person look at it also. It is inside a rectangle. The II is just two straight lines.

quote:

Originally posted by p dog shooter:
Thanks rick it is a BAWII I had another person look at it also. It is inside a rectangle. The II is just two straight lines.

The only markings I found for Benicia Arsenal are:

BA

BA-WK

BA-J.L.

B.A.-J.S.

BA-W.L.

BAWL


Source: Brophy’s and Poyer’s books on Springfield rifles.

Thanks again.

I knew it was a rebuilt as it as a 2-42 barrel date.

I surpose it could have been missed marked.

quote:

Originally posted by p dog shooter:
Thanks again.

I knew it was a rebuilt as it as a 2-42 barrel date.

I surpose it could have been missed marked.

What manufacturer built your 03? Remington and Smith Corona both made 1903’s (not A3’s) in 1942.

Springfeild Ser no. 1001xxx

quote:

What manufacturer built your 03? Remington and Smith Corona both made 1903’s (not A3’s) in 1942.

Rick

Are you sure about this? From anything I have ever read Smith Corona built only 1903-A3s which numbered about 234,580. I have never heard of them making 1903s.

Remington made both 03's and 03A3's during 1942. The 03A3's were phased in during Dec 1942 and the changover to the 03A3's was completed by March of '43. As far as I know, SC only made 03A3's.

quote:

Originally posted by craigster:
Remington made both 03's and 03A3's during 1942. The 03A3's were phased in during Dec 1942 and the changover to the 03A3's was completed by March of '43. As far as I know, SC only made 03A3's.

You are correct, I was wrong. Smith Corona produced only 03A3’s.

I am currently looking at a Smith Corona 03a3 serial # 4819xxx
Are you saying this may be a parts gun cuz I read the date as '43.
Of course I am unsure.
Frank