Springfield 1903 A1 USMC J.Unertl Scoped Rifle…..(F 934) SOLD
Created on May 29th 2021
Fine assembled USMC Sniper with genuine scope
It difficult to know where to start with this one! This is as close as I have come to the Golden Fleece of Springfield collecting and shooting. This is one of the early rifles By Sword & Musket imported into the country direct from the USA. In building this USMC type Sniper the client has chosen as near as possible the correct rifle for the project. The serial number and barrel date put it right in the correct serial number bracket, for rifles that were produced and selected by the NRA in the US as match rifles. This is not a match rifle as it does not have the star marking on the crown of the muzzle but, maximum effort has been put into preparing this weapon correctly and once again the Armourer selected to complete the build is the highly thought of Thames Valley Guns. Knowledge and proficient skills have honed this rifle into as near as dammit as good as it can be Genuine USMC 03-A1 Sniper. Much money and research has been poured into the project; the only way to better this would be to get hold of the real thing and huge funds are required to enable that to happen.
The serial number, visible of the RHS of the receiver is “1518860” The other standard Springfield markings are covered by the mounting blocks of the scope. In US govt’ .30-06 calibre with Mauser -type bolt system and five -shot internal magazine. Flag safety to rear of bolt still operable with scope in position. As mentioned above the serial number puts production in 1938 which is close to the date on the barrel which reads; “S.A. / flaming bomb / 11 32” If the barrel was dated much later than the action serial number indicates one would want to know why? But, as it is from before then it could easily been drawn from existing stock.
Blued bolt with matching serial number electro-pencilled into the top of the body when closed. Correct early rear sights which remain in position, stowed under the scope. The rear sight is mounted on an original Springfield lightened collar. The front mounting block is attached to the barrel and the hand-guard cut to accommodate. Hooded front sight protector. Correct pistol-grip type stock with the correct cartouche on the LHS for the inspector who passed these rifle; “S.A. / S.P.G.”. Great care has been taken to find the correct heavy checked butt-plate with trap which would be found on this rifle. Inside the trap is the correct cleaning and oil bottle. The stock is in completely undamaged condition with all over colour and even finish. It shows the circled final proof cartouche on the front of the pistol grip. All other fittings are either blued or phosphate finished. Milled trigger guard and floor plate.
The scope is a genuine issue USMC Unertl x 8 power item – NOT AN IMMITATION. Alone now these scopes command a hefty ransom themselves. The scope itself is 23.3/4″ long. It has its original screw on endcaps. Excellent optics with fine cross hair. The scopes were designed to move when in use in that they will slide forward to a stop. The original idea was they would return under the power of an externally mounted spring but the Marines soon discovered they were a good way of getting hooked up in the undergrowth and disposed of them immediately. Adjustment is by way of an external gimble. Range adjustment is on the front sunshade. The times magnification is on a flat on the rear locking ring and is simply marked “8”. The top of the scope is roll marked;- “J.UNERTL / USMC – SNIPER/ 2150”
As if cosmetically and technically this rifle is not good enough the previous owner has had all the necessary jobs completed at great expense to make the weapon as slick as possible and as accurate. Bolt rails polished, trigger work, magazine follower polished – no stone has been left unturned and bills are available to inspect. Bore is excellent and original to rifle.
If you were ever serious about obtaining this Holy Grail of Military rifle shooting and you want to stand a chance in a competition – this is the moment you have been waiting for. The rifle comes with many extras including its own fitted Pelli case. This is the first one of these I have seen completed to such a high standard. Serious interest calls only please – then you have to see it!
Stock No’ F 934
£ 8250. (SOLD)
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