WW II US M1903-A4 Sniper Rifle……….(f 660) SOLD
Created on June 10th 2016
An excellent example of the American .30-06 Remington 1903 Second World War Army Sniper Rifle
In general terms this rifle is in perfect configuration for the rifle that the US army used in front line combat for the majority of the war, on all fronts. The serial number, 4995382, indicates manufacture would have been between December 1943 and January 1944. This is borne out by the data on the barrel which denotes; ” 1- 44″. It adds value in collectors terms that this rifle still has its original barrel. The rifle is chambered in the .30-06 government caliber. The barrel, correctly, is the later two groove type and shows use; adding to the feeling of originality and respect for a weapon that has most probably been used as intended.
The 1903-A4 has a Mauser-type action with a 3 position flag-type safety at the rear of the bolt. The bolt itself has the correct dished bolt arm, so produced to allow clearance around the scope and bolt during cycling. Luckily this example has managed to escape re-finishing in an arsenal rebuild and the colours are mixed. It may be reasonable to assume that, as the finishes on the weapon are mixed, the components were not so badly damaged that they required re-finishing. The bolt is blued all over, as is the magazine cut-off switch, the butt-plate and the scope. The remaining components are of a toned-down grey or green parkerised finish. The rifle measures 43.1/2″ in overall length. The round parkerised barrel is 24″ long and the trigger pull is 13″. The LHS of the action has the “Hatcher hole” at the level of the wood-work. This is basically a gas escape hole to allow gases to vent if required, thus diminishing the chance of a catastrophic action failure in the right (or wrong !) conditions.
The action has the correct “Split” markings, where the “US /REMINGTON MODEL 03-A3” is roll-marked on the LHS of the receiver. The serial number is similarly marked on the RHS so both are visible with the mount in position. The stock is American black walnut and has the twin cross bolts below the action. The LHS wrist has the remains of the boxed “FJA” and crossed cannons cartouche of the Remington plant. On the underside of the stock just ahead of the magazine base are the remains of the factory inspectors markings. Behind the trigger guard, on the front face of the pistol grip, are two final inspection “P” markings. The lower section of the stock has a strong grain pattern which adds to the general appeal.
The rifle is marked at the muzzle, just behind the section that would have been fitted with a front sight, were it anything other than a genuine sniper. The markings are as follows; ” R.A. / flaming bomb (center punched)/ 1- 44″. The butt-plate is a chequered fitment with a trap to contain a cleaning bottle. Two standard sling swivels and a stacking open swivel. All the fittings are the correct steel, stamped-out, later versions. The front band has a lug for a bayonet on the underside. At present there is a leather early pattern adjustable sling attached to the rifle. This is supple but will not survive further use.
The Redfield mount is attached to the rear action bridge and sits over the original dove-tail which, in any other case, would have taken the ramp-type rear sight. At the front end the mount attaches by two screws to the receiver, being dished on the underside. A set of rings are fastened to the base and hold the 3/4″ scope tube in place. Windage can be adjusted by the large holding screws which secure the rear mount. The scope is the Weaver M73B1 type purloined for the war effort by the army. It is equipped with a fine cross-hair and has both windage and elevation adjustment. This is effected by two adjustment wheels mounted on the saddle towards the rear of the unit. Both wheels are marked to clearly illustrate the effect of rotation on the aim. Clicks are provided by a sprung clip which acts against the serrated wheel sides and also holds the wheel in place when in the required positions.
The “saddle” of the scope is marked as follows; “TELESCOPE M73B1 / PATD.-PATS.PEND. / W.R.WEAVER CO. / EL.PASO.TEX. USA.” Movement of the adjustment wheels is as it should be and the eye-piece is adjustable so as to focus the reticule. The image is good and simple cross-hair reticule fully intact. The tube is approximately of 3/4″ diameter, the magnification 2.5X magnification and approx’ 11″ long. Further details have been hand etched onto the side of the tube by electro-pencil. They read as follows:- “TELESCOPE M73B1 / SERIAL No: 14898” The tube is in good undented condition with minor patches of mild corrosion along the body.
The rifle carries numerous “R” Remington ownership and inspection marks and is in very good condition for a rifle that may well have been to the front. There is only minor edge wear to the action and minimal cycling marks on the bolt body and extractor. The bore appears soft but intact and the action cycles perfectly well. Fresh proofs applied sympathetically in the UK. A fine World War Two US combat rifle that has lived on to be used another day and will compliment any military arms collection. An interesting and scarce rifle over this side of the pond.
Stock No f 660
£ 3750…..SOLD
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