U.S. Model 1903-A4 WW II Sniper Rifle………………(SOLD)

A good clean example of the 1903-A4 U,S. Army Sniper Rifle from the Second World War

Split markings on receiver which read: “U.S. / REMINGTON /  MODEL 03-A3” and the serial number on the other side; “3410582”  Although serial numbers are “calculated” in reference books, the rifle appears to have been produced in June 1943.  This is born-out by the information near the muzzle which reads; “R.A. / flaming bomb / 6 – 43.”

The rifle is stocked in the correct C-stock (with pistol grip) It measures 43.1/2″ in overall length.  The round parkerized barrel is the standard 24″ long, and the trigger pull is 13″ to center.  The A4 is chambered in .30-06 govt’ with a two-grove bore.  The rifle is equipped with a five-shot internal magazine and a Mauser type bolt system with flag safety.  Because the scope is mounted above the action it is not possible to load it by stripper-clip as it sits over the clip guides on the rear bridge of the action.  The bolt arm is scolloped to clear the scope during operation.

The A4, at first, seems a fairly plain looking weapon; with its small telescopic sight and absence of front sight. However, this would be exactly what the combat soldier would want in that period.  The lack of parts to catch on anything would be an advantage to the user, where stealth would be a major advantage.  Unnecessarily, dragging half the undergrowth with you as you maneuver into position to take your shot is not something that the sniper would be very keen to do. A telltale hint that an A4 has been unofficially re-barreled might be an absence of finish around the muzzle at the point where a front sight band would have been.  This area should be completely finished over with whatever finish that barrel carries, as this one is.

The barrel has a darker, more green hue to the parkerizing than the action.   The action is positively light grey in comparison.  Correctly, many of the components fitted into and around the action are blued, including the bolt  This is a good way to find an A4.  This is exactly as it was when it was first released.  Sometimes the examples that have been completely refinished in Arsenal have a different feeling to them.  As a collector, one might prefer the original finish as opposed to the Arsenal rebuild, but, even as we establish this fact there are always exceptions to the rule.

All the parts on the bolt are “R” marked and blued.  All the parts on the stock, like the barrel bands and nose cap, sling swivels and butt-plate are the correct pressed steel type with “R” aplenty.  The trigger guard and floor-plate (all one piece) is also pressed out.  The butt-plate has a trap for the cleaning equipment.  The American Black Walnut stock carries two clear “P” stampings’ and two boxed “O.G.E.K.” cartouches.  There is also a crossed cannons mark just behind the magazine cut-off cut on the LHS.  The boxed cartouche is thought to be the stamp of Elmer Keith whilst he was chief inspector at the Ogden Arsenal.  This is a later twin cross bolt stock.

The Weaver 330 scope is the only scope fitted to the A4 during the second world war.  The Army designated it the M73B .  It is mounted on top of the action by the Redfield  mounting system.  It is a plain cross-hair with a magnification of 2.5 times.  Adjustable by two simple slotted screws for elevation and windage.  The fact that this scope is adjusted by screws rather than knobs, could indicate it is one that was “snaffled” from commercially available stock of the day.  Optics are good and as a scope it is just as awful as it was in the days when it was issued.

This A4 is is very good overall condition with little apparent battle damage.  The stock is in excellent condition, it has been rejuvenated and now sports a semi-matt finish. The blueing on the scope is in excellent condition as is that of the bolt.  There is little high edge wear.  This is a Remington A4 that would make a worthy addition to any military or sniper rifle collection, yet is still going to be an interesting and accurate item to shoot.  Problem is, are we today going to be half as good as the brave men who had to use these rifles to survive from day to day.  A thought;  these days we are able to experience what it was like to be trusted with one of these superb weapons just by turning up with the cash.  Just imagine passing your shooting tests to the extent that you got picked to go to the armory to collect one of these !  A proud moment indeed.  A responsibility and a privilege.

Stock No’   f 536

£ 4350. (SOLD)

Webbing & bayonet not included.

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