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Some years ago I acquired a new old stock Remington 03a3 barrel. The barrel is marked R A with 9 43. It is a two grove barrel shiny inside and straight as far as i can tell. The under side has two small x's (xx) located about half way up. I have three other 03a3 rifles with Remington barrels one 4 grove and the others are two grove. Does anyone know what these markings mean or have them on other 03a3 barrels. The barrel is heavily parkerized.
http://guncollectionsonline.com/model1903.htm
"XX" denotes 1951.
I would check with a Springfield expert. I’m pretty sure Remington stopped all 03a3 production in 44 or 45. RA is Remington Arms and 9 43 is probably September 1943.
The xx code is indeed 1951 but it seems in the wrong place on the barrel. And it being after production ended is odd. It’s possible they made extras after the war but I would think replacements would be made by Springfield Armory.
RA - wasn't there a Rock Island Armory? 9/43 is the date.
Rock Island's mark is RI. Remington's mark is RA.
R A is Remington Arms and the 9-43 is september of 43 the xx most likley means it was intended as a replacement barrel. As Remington used the government style date codes on 03's and p-17's. Remington only used the blackpowderx date code on commercial firearms.