Remington 03-A4 1903A4 03-A3 Sniper .30-06 Bolt Action Rifle, Sling & M73B1 Scope 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $4,525.00
LSB#: 180509DN06
Make: Remington
Model: 1903A4. Sniper Version of the 1903A3
Serial Number: 4996950
Year of Manufacture: 1944 (page 375 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition) Barrel Date: January, 1944
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “U.S. / REMINGTON / MODEL 03-A3” and the right side is marked “4996950”. The top of the barrel is marked “R A / flaming bomb / 1- 44”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “P”. The safety is marked “SAFE READY” and the magazine cutoff is marked “ON OFF”. The underside of the bolt handle, the rear of the safety lever, the right rear of the bolt body, magazine disconnect lever, nosecap, stacking loop and front sling loop are all stamped “R” for Remington. The rear sling loop base is marked “RP” which is a Remington subcontractor marking (page 147 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition). The rear of the bolt handle is marked with a partial stampings. The bottom of the grip is marked with a “circled P” proof. The magazine cutoff recess is marked “K” for Keystone; a manufacturer of 1903A4 stocks (page 117). The left side of the stock above the trigger is marked “RA” (Remington Arms 1942-1944), with the Ordnance Department’s “crossed cannons” cartouche and with an inspection stamp “FJA in a box” (Frank J. Atwood 1942-1944 Remington Arms). These are correct stock markings for a 1903A4 rifle (pages 116 & 117). For more on the initials see pages 399 & 404 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition. The area ahead of the bottom metal is marked “U” (twice), “57 in a triangle”, “72 in an oval” and “23 in a box”. The bottom of the Model 1907 sling is marked “BOYT / -44-“ next to the brass claw.
The right rear of the Redfield Jr. mount is marked “REDFIELD”. This is the correct mount used on 1903A4 rifles with a M37B1 scope (page 352). The plate on the rear of the scope is marked “TELESCOPE M73B1 / PATD.-PATS. PEND. / W. R. WREAVER CO. / EL PASO. TEX., U.S.A.”. The scope tube is marked “SERIAL NO 25195” to the right of the plate. The plate next to the adjustment knobs is marked “UP / arrow” and “L / arrow”. Each adjustment knobs is also marked “0 5 10”. These markings are consistent with the text & photo on pages 355 to 357 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition.
Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front and rear sights have been removed to use the scope. The top rear of the receiver has an integral base. A one piece scope mount is secured to the integral base and screwed to the receiver. The Redfield Jr. mount has two scope rings attached. The rings & base show scrapes. The base shows a couple of scratches. The screws show light use. Overall the rings and one piece base are in about Vey Good Plus to Fine condition. The rings hold a 2.5 fixed power scope with a cross hair reticle. The view through the scope is slightly dim. There is a ring of opacity near the outer edge of the view. The adjustment knobs turn. The tube shows light scraps & a few small scratches. Overall, the scope rates in about Very Good Plus condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece oil stained hardwood stock has a pistol grip, metal nosecap, stacking loop, barrel band, two sling loops, two through bolts, cutout for the bolt handle, scallop under the magazine cutoff and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The cutout for the bolt handle is slightly swept to the rear to match the 1903A4’s modified bolt handle. The wood shows various scrapes, small scratches & compression marks. The most prominent are on the left side of the butt. These marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The two grooved bore is bright; semi bright at the muzzle. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.0.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The bottom metal shows scrapes & scratches. The barrel shows some light scrapes. The receiver shows some small light scrapes. There are a few light handling marks on the remaining metal. One of the bottom metal screw heads shows use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine Plus to Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The safety lever works but does not turn past the rear of the scope. This is a design flaw due to the expedited implementation of the 03-A4 Sniper Rifle during war time. This condition is common for 03-A4 Rifles and not unique to this rifle. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a scope assembly; see above. It also comes with a leather sling that shows scrapes, cracking, and some surface loss. The sling is in about Good condition.
Our Assessment: This Remington Model 1903A4 Sniper is a Nice example of a WWII Military contract sniper rifle. The rifle is in the correct 1903A4 sniper configuration and has the correct serial number to fall within the 1903A4 serial number range (see page 358 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition). It has lots of Remington marked metal parts and its receiver markings are offset to read them with a scope base installed. It has the correctly shaped and marked bolt. The handle is slightly bent upward in an outward curve and excess metal has been trimmed away to allow the bolt handle to fully open with the scope mounted (page 205-206). The rifle has a nice metal finish, strong bright bore and a stock with nice markings that are correct for a 1903A4 rifle. The 2.5 power M37B1 military scope is still in Very Good Plus condition. The scope is marked correctly and mounted on the correct Redfield Jr. mount. This rifle has a 2 grooved bore. According to page 352 to 353 of “The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations 3rd Edition” by Joe Poyer, Remington sniper rifles were made with 2 and 4 groove barrels depending on availability. This rifle is one well worth collecting. Good luck.
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This rifle is curio and relic eligible and can be transferred/sold in California.
Bolt Action Rifle, Sling & M73B1 Scope 1944 C&R