WWII Remington 03-A4 1903A4 .30-06 1903-A3 Sniper Bolt Action Rifle & Redfield Jr. Rings, 1943 C&R

SOLD FOR $2,700.00
LSB#:
 180509DN03

Make: Remington

Model: 1903A4 (Sniper Version of the 1903-A3)

Serial Number: 3416030

Year of Manufacture: 1943 (page 375 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition) Barrel Date: December, 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” and the right side is marked “3416030”. 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 underside of the bolt handle, the rear of the safety lever, the extractor, the right rear of the bolt body, the magazine disconnect lever, the stacking loop, the front sling loop, and the nose cap are all stamped “R” for Remington. The rear sling loop base is marked “RP” which is a Remington subcontractor marking (page 147 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition). The bottom of the grip is marked “A” and with a “circled P” proof. The magazine cutoff recess is marked “K” for Keystone; a manufacturer of 1903A4 stocks (page 117). The left side of the stock above the trigger is marked “RA” (Remington Arms 1942-1944), with the Ordnance Department’s “crossed cannons” cartouche and with an inspection stamp “FJA in a box” (Frank J. Atwood 1942-1944 Remington Arms). These are correct stock markings for a 1903A4 rifle (pages 116 & 117). For more on the initials see pages 399 & 404 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition. The left side of the butt is marked with a “boxed” “RIA / EB” which is a post WWII Arsenal Rebuild marking (page 390). The area ahead of the bottom metal is marked “1”, “O” and with small inspection stamps.

The right rear of the Redfield Jr. mount is marked “REDFIELD”. This is the correct mount used on 1903A4 rifles with a M37B1 scope (page 352).

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 base. A one piece scope mount is secured to the integral base and screwed to the receiver. The Redfield Jr. mount has two scope rings attached. The rings & base show light marks and some light oxidation. The scope ring screws show some use. Overall the rings and one piece base are in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece oil stained hardwood 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. The cutout for the bolt handle is slightly swept to the rear to match the 1903A4’s modified bolt handle. The nosecap, barrel band & buttplate show scrapes & some small scratches. The wood shows small scrapes, small scratches and light compression marks throughout. A few are deep. Most of the marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 1/8 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal Refurbishment

Bore Condition: The 2 grooved bore is bright; semi bright at the muzzle. The rifling is sharp. There is some light frosting in the grooves at the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.9.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The bottom metal shows small scrapes, a few thin scratches and light discoloration. The barrel shows small scrapes. There are a few light handling marks on the remaining metal. The bottom metal screw heads show light use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about 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 base & rings; see above. It also comes with an unmarked canvas sling. It shows small scrapes on the metal and some areas of light soiling on the canvas. The sling is in about Fine condition.

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 pages 357 & 358 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition). It has Remington marked metal parts and its receiver markings are offset to read them with a scope base installed. It has the correctly shaped and marked bolt. The handle is slightly bent upward in an outward curve 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, strong bright bore and a stock with nice markings that are correct for a 1903A4 rifle. The scope base (Redfield Jr. mount) and rings are correct for use on an 03-A4. This rifle has a 2 grooved bore. According to page 352 & 353, Remington sniper rifles were made with 2 and 4 groove barrels depending on availability. This rifle is one worth collecting. Good luck.

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This rifle is curio and relic eligible and can be transferred/sold in California.

WWII Remington 03-A4 1903A4 .30-06 1903-A3 Sniper Bolt Action Rifle & Redfield Jr. Rings, 1943 C&R
WWII Remington 03-A4 1903A4 .30-06 1903-A3 Sniper
Bolt Action Rifle & Redfield Jr. Rings, 1943 C&R