Manufactured by Remington Arms (RA) in 1943 and modified by the Springfield Armory in 1954 to National Match (NM) configuration. Springfield Armory selected a small number of Model 1903A3 Remington and Smith Corona (SC) rifles four or six groove barrels for modification to National Match configuration to determine their suitability for competitive shooting prior to large scale production. After completion of 140-200 Model 1903A3 National Match rifles, Springfield abandoned the project. Fewer than 140 rifles were released by DCM in National Match configuration. This is an original Model 1903A3 NM rifle with the 1954 Springfield National Match modifications. The modifications consist of: replacement of the original bolt with an armory polished Springfield nickel steel "NS" bolt, replacement of the Model 1903A3 front sight base with Model 1903 fixed and movable front sight studs, replacement of the Model 1903A3 sear with a Model 1903A1 sear, adjustment of the trigger pull, replacement of the stamped Model 1903A3 buttplate with a late production milled and checkered Model 1903A1 NM buttplate, removal of the Model 1903A3 rear sight, installation of a Redfield rear sight base on the left side of the receiver with staked screws and installation of a Redfield Olympic micrometer rear sight. This rifle, like most of the Model 1903A3 rifles converted to National Match configuration, was re-parkerized by Springfield Armory with a replacement "S" stock. The stock has a Springfield "SA/Q" overhaul mark and circled "P" proof mark. Retains the original "RA/1-43" four groove barrel, stamped RA barrel bands, trigger guard, trigger, follower, sear, safety and cocking piece. The rifle is identical to the SC Model 1903A3 National Match rifle pictured and described on pages 204-206 of THE SPRINGFIELD 1903 RIFLES by Col. William Brophy. Original Model 1903A3 NM rifles are extremely rare; this rifle is only the second example offered by the Rock Island Auction Company in a Premier Auction.

Excellent. This rifle was accurized and re-stocked by Springfield Armory as part of the National Match conversion and retains more than 98% of the armory parkerized finish. The armory polished "NS" bolt has the feathered polishing marks found on Springfield National Match bolts above and below the safety lug. The face of the bolt shows no firing wear. The muzzle crown has no wear. The Remington markings on the barrel and receiver are extremely crisp. The Redfield rear sight base retains nearly all of the blue finish and the screws are properly staked. The Redfield Olympic rear sight is in excellent plus condition and retains 98% of the original blue finish. The oil-finished walnut "S" stock and hand guard are in nearly new condition with raised feathered grain minimal handling or storage marks. The "SA/Q" inspection and circled "P" proof mark are almost perfect. This is an exceptional example of an original Remington Model 1903A3 National Match rifle as modified by Springfield Armory. It would be almost impossible to improve on this rare Model 1903A3 National Match rifle.