remington 03-a3

[HarleyDude]

I've acquired a Remington 03-a3 through my father who passed away recently. The serial # on the receiver is 3852057. The barrel is stamped 7-43 and there are no other markings on the barrel. The outside of the barrel is chrome or shiny steel, not blued or parkerized. There is no rear or front site and the upper band is missing. It is stamped FJA on the stock with a number of other cartouches on the wood. My question is why is the outside of the barrel chrome or shiny steel and not blued or parkerized? Could the blueing or parkerization have worn off? The receiver is like a greenish color where the bolt is black.

[aardq]

Hello Harley Dude,

The only time that I've seen rifles with nickel barrels is because they were deactivated, and used for parade rifles.Usually given, loaned, or sold cheap to Veterans' groups. The usually have a short, or pinned barrel to prevent any live ammo from being used, yet allow blanks to fit for firing salutes.

Daniel