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I understood "RA" to mean "Raritan Arsenal", which is in the State of New Jersey. (A place I know well having done work there during the post 9/11 recovery).
"RRA" I learned something knew from the fellow who opined "Red River Arsenal".
Today, I just finished a rebuild of a build I started back in 1992.
My buddy, "The Pirate" had a barreled action in his basement - no bolt, only a rusty front band, that was it. He let me have it for some beer & wine. Meantime, I was trying to figure out this Model 1903-A3 Remington receiver and RA 11-43 Barrel.
Following weekend, I am out at Ft. Schuyler and see the Cadets in formation - they all had the 'A3. After formation, I asked this young cadet about their rifles and told him what I had and needed. He took me to the armory right there besides the Marine Barracks, and pulled out a bolt, butt plate, bands, swivels, follower, spring and screws. All I needed then was a stock, and SARCO sold me a correct stock with a matching NOS hand guard for $65.00
Withing 2 weeks I had a 1903-A3 all put together, and the "Pirate" was impressed. Off to Camp Smith, I fired 50 rounds to qualify for my first Garand from the DCM (now CMP) with that 'A3. But when my rifle got hot, the bolt would lock up, and I began to have my concerns of safety (After all, I had no head space gages back then).
All those years went by and my first high power rifle went into disuse, although still dear to me.
I sent the metal off to Schuffs to have refinished, and on return was so impressed with it, I coated it in cosmoline to attempt a green patina, and left it in the attic for two years. (That was a waste of time - but I love how Shuff did the action in zinc park and contrasted other parts with either blue or dark gray, which is typical of Remington 1903-A3's).
Two weeks ago, got out a blow torch, heated up the action and cleaned off the cosmoline.
Rebuilt the rifle on the same stock, and this time I was better prepared with a go, no-go, field test gages, and, a field test bolt.
Just as I had expected - the rifle's head space was excessive, but the good news was the field test bolt passed with flying colors. My conclusion was that I needed a NOS bolt body, and the bolt I originally got from the Cadet at Fort Schulyer was already well used before I got it.
Someone on GB sold me a NOS Remington Bolt Body with a '42 stamp, and hoped Remington's machining was then consistent to spec to their c. 1942-43 receiver.
While waiting for my bolt to arrive, I plugged up the breech and soaked it in Kroil for a day, and polished the bore with JB, used Hoppes copper cutter, more Kroil, polish. The bore has never been cleaner and the ME is 1.5 !
The Remington "R '42" bolt arrived Saturday. The grease easily cleaned off, and it passed all the gage tests.
Not only that, this rifle now has a real 'cling sound to it when I cycle the practice rounds through it and dry fire the bolt. The let off has never been crisper, and thus this rifle is re-incarnated. I might stamp '711 in the heel of the wood under the butt-plate, because it is my work and it is not for sale.
Yes, you have a fine rifle and it came relatively easy to you. Enjoy it.
711
Last edited by USMC 711; January 8th, 2012 at 05:52 PM.
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