WWII Remington 1903-A4 03A4 Sniper Rifle .30-06 SPRG M82 Scope Bolt Action Rifle, MFD 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,225
LSB#: 200603JH19
Make: Remington
Model: 1903-A4 (Sniper Version of the 1903-A3)
Serial Number: 3418641
Year of Manufacture: 1943 (page 374 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition) Barrel Date: February, 1944
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “U.S. / REMINGTON / MODEL 03-A3” and the right side is marked “3418641”. The top of the Remington barrel is marked “R A / flaming bomb / 2 – 44”. 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, right rear of the bolt body, rear of the safety lever, magazine disconnect lever, nosecap, stacking loop, and the rear sling loop base are all stamped “R” for Remington. The nose of the stock is marked “L”. The bottom of the grip is marked with a circled “P” proof. The magazine cutoff recess is marked with a faded stamping. The left rear of the buttstock is marked “BA / 11”. The “BA” is for Benicia Arsenal but the “BA / 11” mark is not listed in any of our reference materials. This mark appears to have been restamped. We do not know who restamped it. The left side of the scope is marked “TELESCOPE M82 / SERIAL NO. 282 / STOCK NO. F001-0084688”. The adjustment knob base is marked “7634671” in 2 places. Both caps are marked “7575180”. The top rear of the scope is marked “7634670”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front and rear sights have been removed to facilitate the use of a scope.
A one piece Redfield style 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. The rings hold a 2.2 fixed power scope with a tapered post reticle. The adjustment knobs turn and the front sunshade extends into place. The rear rubber eyepiece is missing. The view is mostly clear. The edges of the view are slightly cloudy. The tapered post has a small fleck of debris stuck to the left side; this does not obstruct the view. The scope tube and caps show small scratches, discoloration from oxidation, and some light surface erosion. The scope base and rings show scrapes. The screws show use. Overall the base & rings are in about Very Good Plus condition. The scope is in about Good condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The 1903A4 stock is in Scant Grip stock. It is a replacement 1903A4 stock as the original markings listed on pages 117 & 118 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle, are not visible. The bolt handle cut out is swept back to match the angle of the 1903A4 bolt handle.
The two piece oil stained hardwood has a pistol grip, metal nose cap, stacking loop, barrel band, two sling loops, two through bolts, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. There is a plastic oiler stored in the butt. The nosecap and barrel bands are secure but have some side to side play; the screws have been tightened. The wood shows various scrapes and scratches. The most prominent marks are under the left side of the receiver. 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 overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized. Blue Bottom Metal
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The two grooved bore is mostly bright. It is semi bright near the muzzle. The rifling is sharp. There is some light erosion at the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.5.
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: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The bottom metal shows small scratches, light thinning, and discoloration. The barrel & receiver show light handling marks and some discoloration. The screw heads show use. 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. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork& Accessories: The rifle comes with a scope assembly; see above. There is a plastic Type 4 oiler & thong case stored in the butt. One side contains the pull through thong and a brush. The other side contains the dripper; no oil. The tube shows several scrapes & scuffs. The thong & brush show oil residue. Overall the oiler and cleaning tools are in about Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: This Remington Model 1903-A4 Sniper Rifle has great Remington markings on the receiver, barrel, bolt, and other small parts. Its receiver markings are offset to read them with a scope base installed. The receiver is marked “MODEL 03-A3” so that any rifle rejected as a 1903A4 Sniper could be used as a service rifle. The rifle is in 1903-A4 sniper configuration and has the correct serial number to fall within the 1903-A4 serial number ranges. It has the correctly shaped and marked Remington bolt handle which fits into the stocks swept back bolt handle cut out. The rifle has a nice metal finish, strong bore, and is set in a 1903A4 replacement stock. It is topped with an M82 scope that still has a mostly clear view. During the Korean war some 1903A4 rifles were issued with Lyman Alaskan scopes (page 74 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition). The Lyman Alaskan was later standardized by the Military and issued as the M82 scope which was used on the M1C Garand (page 190 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1 Garand 1936 to 1957 6th Edition). This is a good looking 1903A4 Sniper that will add to your collection.