Remington Model 03-A4 Sniper 1903-A4 .30-06 Sprg Bolt Action WWII Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $4025

LSB#: 210419MB66

Make: Remington

Model: 1903A4. Sniper Version of the 1903A3

Serial Number: 3425487

Year of Manufacture: 1943 (page 375 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition) Barrel Date: July, 1943

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” there is an “X” over the “3” and a “4” has been added, these two markings are through the finish and the metal is bright. The right side of the receiver is marked “3425487”. The top of the barrel is marked “R A / flaming bomb / 7- 43”. 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, safety, stacking loop, underside of the bolt handle, and front sling loop are all marked “R” for Remington. The bottom of the grip is marked with a “circled P” proof and “P”. The left side of the stock above the trigger is marked “RA”, “FJA”, and “AA”. There are a few faded stampings on the bottom of the stock in front of the bottom metal. The extractor collar is marked with a circled “R”.

The left side of the scope is marked “TELESCOPE M82 / SERIAL NO.1616”. The adjustment knob base is marked “7634671” in 2 places. The caps are marked “A7575180”. The top at the rear is marked “7634870”.

Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front and rear sights have been removed to use the scope. The top rear of the receiver has an integral male dovetail. A one-piece Redfield Jr. scope mount is secured to the integral base and screwed to the receiver. The mount has two scope rings attached. There is a metal shim between the base and receiver at the front. The base has a few rubs. The rings have some scuffs that have thinned the finish plus a few little nicks and spots of surface oxidation. The screws are sharp. The rings hold a 2.5 fixed power M82 scope with a graduated post reticle. The view through the scope is clear. The tube shows some scattered scuffs, little hairline scratches, and thinning. There are a few spots of oxidation. There are scrapes and marks into the metal ring at the rear. Overall, the scope rates in about Very Good condition.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two-piece oil-stained hardwood stock has a pistol grip, metal nosecap, stacking loop, two barrel bands, 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. There is a small chip on the comb in front of the buttplate tang. The wood shows some dings through the finish, a few scracthes & compression marks. The most prominent are on the handguard at the rear on the right side, right side of the buttstock down by the belly, and belly at the toe. The LOP measures 13 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some little marks into the finish and a few spots of light frost. The stock rates in about Very Good-Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original to Refurbishment

Bore Condition: The two grooved bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is what looks like some spots of stubborn fouling on the lands at the muzzle but it may be some light erosion. The bore shows an M.E. of about 0.15.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 92% of its metal finish. The bottom metal shows some light mottled oil marks, a couple spots of oxidation, and a few little marks into the finish. The receiver has light handling wear, some spots of light thinning, and a few oil marks. The barrel shows some erosion and pitting under the finish. The barrel bands and nosecap have some mottled discoloration. There are a few little marks on the bolt handle including a scrape on the knob. There are a few light handling marks on the remaining metal. The screwheads show use with lightly worn slots. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The bolt is a bit difficult to cycle to to the rubber eyepiece on the scope. 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 war time. This condition is common for 03-A4 Rifles and not unique to this rifle. 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 cleaning accessories, CMP case, & the scope assembly; see above. The cleaning kit is a type 4 tube stored in the butt and has an oil dipper, thong, and brush.

Our Assessment: This Remington Model 1903A4 Sniper is a Nice example of a WWII Military contract sniper rifle. The rifle is in the correct 1903A4 sniper configuration and has the correct serial number to fall within the 1903A4 serial number range (see page 357 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition). It has lots of Remington marked metal parts and its receiver markings are offset to read them with a scope base installed. The handle is slightly bent and excess metal has been trimmed away to allow the bolt handle to fully open with the scope mounted (page 205-206). The rifle has a nice metal finish, a good bright bore and a stock with nice markings. This rifle has a 2 grooved bore. According to page 352 to 353 of “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 rifle is one well worth collecting. Good luck.

Remington Model 03-A4 Sniper 1903-A4 .30-06 Sprg Bolt Action WWII Rifle C&R
Remington Model 03-A4 Sniper 1903-A4 .30-06 Sprg Bolt Action WWII Rifle C&R