WWII Remington 1903A4 03-A4 Sniper .30-06 Weaver 330 Scope Bolt Action Rifle 1944Our 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 a 1903A4 Weaver 330 scope.
Make: Remington
Model: 1903A4. Sniper variation of the 1903A3 (03-A3).
Serial Number: 4992619
Year of Manufacture: 1944Barrel Date: December 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 "4992619". The top of the barrel is marked "R A / flaming bomb / 12- 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 other small metal parts are stamped "R" for Remington. The bottom of the grip is marked with a faded "circled P" proof. The left side of the stock above the trigger is marked (faded) "RA", "FJA", and with a crossed cannons cartouche. There are inspection stamps on the belly of the stock. The right rear of the scope base is marked "REDFIELD". The scope is marked "MODEL 330 / PATS. PEND / W.R. WEAVER CO. / EL PASO, TEX., U.S.A.". The markings are correct for a WWII 1903A4 scope.
Barrel Length: 24"
Sights / Optics: The front and rear sights have been removed to facilitate the use of a scope. A one-piece Redfield scope base is attached to the top of the receiver by screws and by the rear sight base. The one-piece mount has two scope rings attached. They hold a Weaver Model 330, 2.5 fixed power scope. The scope uses a tapered post reticle. The view is a bit hazy with small flecks of gray along the outer edge. The scope assembly shows scuffs, scrapes, and some light discoloration from oxidation. The oversized screw heads show use.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The 1903 stock is a "C" style stock which was used for 03A4. The bolt handle cutout is swept back slightly to match the angle of the 1903A4 bolt handle. The two-piece oil stained hardwood has a pistol grip, nose cap with bayonet lug, stacking loop, barrel band, two sling loops, two through bolts, and a checkered metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The butt plate shows light surface erosion and wear. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. The LOP measures 13 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The two grooved bore has sharp rifling. The muzzle and grooves are semi bright due to fouling and erosion. The fouling should clean up some. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.In this writer's opinion, this bore rates 7 out of 10. According to page 354 of Joe Poyer's book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, Remington sniper rifles were made with 2 groove and 4 groove barrels.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 90% of its finish. The metal shows scrapes, scratches, thinning on the leading edges, and discoloration from both oil residue and oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The safety lever works but does not turn past the rear of the scope. This a design flaw due to the expedited implementation of the 03-A4 Sniper Rifle during war time. This condition is common for 03-A4 Rifles and not unique to this rifle.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: None
CA LEGALITY: CA Classified C&R: YES. CA DEALER Transferable: YES
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