WWII Remington 1903A4 03-A4 Sniper M84 Scope .30-06 Bolt Action Rifle 1943Our Assessment: When the United States Military entered World War II in 1941, there was not a single sniper rifle in military inventory. All the sniper rifles developed for use during World War I had long since been disposed of. On the eastern Front, German and Soviet troops had deployed thousands of sniper rifles to great effect. The British and Canadians had resurrected World War I-vintage sniper rifles and were using them to good effect in Africa. U.S. forces were in need of a new sniper rifle and the U.S. Army's Ordnance Department decided that a sniper rifle could be made quickly based on the Model 1903A3 rifle that was just beginning to come off the production lines at Remington. By the end of 1943, the new Model 1903A4 sniper rifle began to reach front line troops. The new sniper rifle was essentially a modified Model 1903A3 infantry rifle. 1903-A4 receivers are marked "MODEL 03-A3" so that any rifle rejected as a 1903A4 Sniper could be used as a service rifle. WWII Remington Sniper rifles are highly valued by collectors due to their relatively low production numbers and their contribution to the war effort.This Remington Model 1903-A4 Sniper Rifle has deep Remington markings on the receiver and barrel as well as small Remington "R" stampings on the bolt handle and other small parts. Its receiver markings are offset to read them with a scope base installed. This rifle is in 1903-A4 sniper configuration and has the correct serial number to fall within the 1903-A4 serial number ranges. It is topped with an M84 scope. The M84 was mounted on a small number of 1903A4 Sniper Rifles that were Arsenal Rebuilt during the 1950s and 1960s, a number of which saw duty in Vietnam. This a good looking 1903A4 Sniper to add to your collection.
Make: Remington
Model: 1903A4. Sniper variation of the 1903A3 (03-A3).
Serial Number: 3411681
Year of Manufacture: 1943Barrel Date: March 1943
Caliber: .30-06
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 "3411681". The top of the barrel is marked "R A / flaming bomb / 3 - 43". 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 and many of the small metal parts are stamped "R" for Remington.The scope base is marked "REDFIELD". The plate on the rear of the scope is marked "TELESCOPE / M84" and with the scope's serial number "10547".
Barrel Length: 24"
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 Redfield scope mount is secured to the integral base and screwed to the receiver. The mount has two scope rings attached. The rings hold the refurbished M84 scope. The scope uses a post & horizontal line reticle. The view is clear. The scope assembly shows scuffs and light scrapes.The M84 was mounted on a small number of 1903A4 Sniper Rifles that were Arsenal Rebuilt during the 1950s and 1960s, a number of which saw duty in Vietnam (page 74 of Joe Poyer's book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd edition).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The rifle uses a "C" stock which is correct for an 03A4. The two piece oil stained hardwood stock has a pistol grip, metal nose cap, 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 scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. The most prominent marks are on the handguard. The LOP measures 13 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus to overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to Rebuild
Bore Condition: The muzzle is light gray and the grooves are semi bright. The rifling is deep. There is erosion near the muzzle and light erosion in the remaining grooves. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.6.In this writer's opinion, this bore rates 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The metal shows scuffs, light scrapes, and discoloration from both oil residue and oxidation. The action shows light operational wear. Most of the markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. We have cleaned this firearm and performed a mechanic's check but expect many will want to clean the firearm again depending on their standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with an M84 scope assembly; see above. A leather sling is attached. A plastic oiler tube is stored in the butt.
CA LEGALITY: CA Classified C&R: YES. CA DEALER Transferable: YES
RIFLE