Just Bought A 03a3 ...

[yatzee982]

I have a couple of questions about it. I put $625+a trade of a Mosin Nagant rifle for this beauty. I assume this is a post war refurb since it has a BA-WL stamp and a cirple P, no other visible cartouches on the stock ? I thought the bolt of the 03a3 was supposed to be blued but this one seems to be Parker'd. Also the stock has pins in it instead of bolts like I have seen on other 03a3 stocks ? Most the parts I see have the R stamp on them. Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated since I don't know much else about it.. thank you.

Pics

[Rick the Librarian]

The pinned stock was used on M1903A3s until about mid-1943; this is a replacement. The BAWL is an inspection stamp from Benecia Arsenal in California. Replacement parts, such as the bolt were usually Parekerized.

[yatzee982]

Thanks for the reply Rick. I kinda figured it was a refurb after reading about the BAWL stamp on it. I read up about the 2 groove over the 4 groove barrels being a wartime expediance but proving more accurate ... awesome! I just wanted a bolt action 30-06 to go along with my SA M1 Garand I bought from CMP. I am trying to stay within a few calibers and not get to scattered So this being a good military shooter is what I wanted. I will line this one up with my M1 Garand, Mossberg 44US, 144US and they will all have that same look ... like kissing cousins. I like it !!