Make: Remington
Model: 1903A4. Sniper version of the 1903A3.
Serial Number: 4997771
Year of Manufacture: Receiver dates to April 1944. Barrel is dated January 1944. Research reveals the preponderance of Remington M1903A4 Sniper Rifles in the 4997XXX serial number range have barrels dated from 12-43 to 1-44, the latter of course matching this example.
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 “4997771”. 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 right rear of the bolt, magazine cutoff, stacking loop, and rear sling loop base are all stamped “R” for Remington. The front of the grip is marked with a very faint “circled P” proof. The left side of the wrist is marked with an “FJA” (for Col. Frank J. Atwood) inspector’s cartouche. There are a few faded, illegible sub-inspector’s stampings on the bottom of the stock in front of the floorplate.
The right side of the scope at the ocular end is marked “330 SCOPE - M. 8 / PATENTS PENDING / W.R. WEAVER CO. / EL PASO. TEXAS".
Barrel Length: 24" Round
Sights / Optics: The barrel has a provision for a front sight, but none is installed. The top of the receiver has a Redfield one-piece base installed with rings holding a Weaver 330 M.8 commercial scope. This particular scope is the 2nd model, 3rd variant of the Weaver 330 scope, and predates the US military’s adoption of this same model Weaver scope, which was designated the M73B1. Thus, many original, early to mid war Remington M-1903A4 Sniper Rifles will mount Weaver 330 M.8 commercial scopes on Redfield bases, as these were configured by the US military before the M73B1 was even adopted. It’s a 2.5x scope with a crosshair reticle. The scope has scattered light wear and some minor oxidation on the body. The glass is fairly clear, but could use a good cleaning.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two-piece oil stained walnut 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 (there is nothing in the compartment). The cutout for the bolt handle is slightly swept to the rear to match the 1903A4’s modified bolt handle. There are patch repairs in the right side of the stock behind the grip, and across a long crack in the top of the forward portion of the handguard. There are pin-repairs at a crack in the right of the forend in front of the barrel band spring-clip. There is a patch repair on the right below the chamber ring. There are some nicks, dings, scuffs, and scratches. The surfaces show signs of sanding. The LOP measures 13" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has minor wear around the edges. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition as refurbished and repaired.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The two grooved bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion, but there is some stubborn fouling. Our gauge shows an M.E. of 1.0. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about a 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges, most notable on the bottom metal. There are a few minor nicks, scuffs, and scratches. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine 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 the war. This affliction is common for 03-A4 Sniper Rifles, not unique to this particular one, and is another indication of an original US military configured sniper rifle. We did not fire this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with the scope assembly described above, and a wrinkled, weathered paper/cardboard tag tied to the trigger guard. The tag is printed with “PROOF FIRED AND INSPECTED / SUITABLE FOR NRA SALE”.
Our Assessment:From Darrell C. "Shifty" Powers of “Band of Brothers” fame to the legendary US Marine Carlos Hathcock, squad designated marksmen and "lone wolf" snipers have played a pivotal role in US combat tactics for the last century. This US WW2 Remington Model 1903A4 Sniper Rifle is a textbook, 100% correct example of a US military contract sniper rifle of the Second World War. It is in the correct 1903A4 sniper configuration, has the correct serial number to fall within the 1903A4 serial number range, and mounts a barrel that falls within the correct date range for the rifle’s serial number. The barrel was correctly built without a front sight installed, the bolt handle is slightly bent and excess metal has been trimmed away to allow it to fully open with the scope mounted, and the stock has been refurbished and repaired, with its cutout for the bolt handle slightly swept to the rear to match the 1903A4’s modified bolt handle. The rifle features a correct early to mid war Weaver 330 M.8 commercial scope with a Redfield one-piece base, bears several Remington marked metal parts throughout, and its receiver markings are offset to read them with a scope base installed. 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 the war. This affliction is common for 03-A4 Sniper Rifles, not unique to this particular one, and is another indication of an original US military configured sniper rifle. This rifle also has a 2 groove bore. According to pages 352-53 of the reference book “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 is a wonderful example of a US WW2 Remington Model 1903A4 Sniper Rifle.
RIFLE