1903 original finish ??

[huntin2424]

Got this 1942 Remington. Finish is more black park.
I was told original finish.
Looks way different than my other 1942 Remington which is a green color.
Is this original?

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[gmerkt]

I'm not a 1903 expert but I've owned a few and handled more. I think the color varies on the Rem. 1903A1's, the one shown in the picture looks good to me. You can see slight color variations from one part to the next. I don't think it has to be olive green to be "good."

 

[Moeca]

I believe most second run (1940s) were more of the black color with the parkerizing. Had to do with the process zinc or magnesium solution. Also the metal make up and heat treat process. Have heard or read that the oil used in the treatment process was the difference in some. And last that if they were packed for storage the grease (can't think of the name) would turn some more of a green tint.
I have several and each has a little difference in park coloring from light gray to black to slightly green.
From the pictures it looks original could be arsenal refinished also. No matter what it is a beautiful firearm.

 

[huntin2424]

Thank you
I was told original.
It just looks too nice almost.

 

[huntin2424]

more pics

 

[nehalemguy]

I'm not as familiar with the 1903s, but the 1903-A3s were a combination of blued parts on green parked receivers. Here is a pic of my unissued Remington and Smith-Corona 1903-A3. Also, it looks like your rifle has a "C" stock and not the original straight stock.

 

[nehalemguy]

Here are a couple photos of a 1942 Remington 1903 that I found on the Legacy site.

 

[Pepe-lepew]

It has been blasted and parkerized. The roll mark is a tattle tell. There is many other details that are not original in finish or type of part.

Whoever did the work, put together a very nice condition rifle. I have been looking for a Rem 1903 in that type of condition with not much luck.

 

[huntin2424]

I am thinking Greek return now

 

[Pepe-lepew]

I am thinking Greek return now

It does not look like Greek black, not smooth and shiny enough. However, if it had other characteristics of a Greek return, such as the stock has part of the serial number stamped into it, it could be.

 

[huntin2424]

Thank you

 

[manofsteel]

I think this is a refinish, but still a really nice example.

 

[huntin2424]

Thank you