Remington 1903-A4 Sniper 03A3 .30-06 330 Scope Bolt Action Rifle 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3975
LSB#: 211002NI33
Make: Remington
Model: 1903-A4 (Sniper Version of the 1903-A3)
Serial Number: 3418510. The rifle falls within the correct serial number range (3,407,088 to 3,427,087) for the 1st block of model 1903-A4 Sniper Rifles (page 72 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition).
Year of Manufacture: 1943 (page 374). Barrel Date: July, 1943
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 “3418510”. The top of the Remington 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, right rear of the bolt body, rear of the safety lever, magazine disconnect lever, stacking loop, and the rear sling loop base are all stamped “R” for Remington. The bottom of the grip is marked with 2 “circled P” proofs. The magazine cutoff recess is marked “S”. The left side of the stock, above the trigger, is marked with a faded “FJA in a box” inspection stamp. The left side of the butt is marked with an Arsenal Rebuild stamp from the Rock Island Arsenal “RIA / EB in a box”. The belly of the stock is marked with faded inspection stamps.
The scope plate is marked “MODEL 330 / PATS PEND. / W.R. WEAVER CO. / EL PASO . TEX U.S.A.”. The right rear of the scope is marked “TELESCOPE M37B1 / SERIAL NO.8067” in electric pencil. “M37B1” is the later military designated version of the Weaver Model 330 (page 353). Both versions of the scope were used on 03A4 Sniper Rifles. The right rear of the scope base is marked “REDFIELD”.
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 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 2.5 fixed power scope with crosshairs reticle. The glass appears clear. The scope tube shows scrapes & thin scratches. The scope is in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition. The rings are in Fine condition. The scope base shows discoloration & light scrapes. It is in about Very Good Plus condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The 1903A4 stock is a “C” stock used for 03A4 rifles that fall within the serial number range from 3,407,088 to 3,427,087 (page 117). 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, nose cap with bayonet lug, stacking loop, barrel band, two sling loops, two through bolts, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches and compression marks which have been finished over. The right side of the stock shows sanding light marks ahead of the front through bolt. The bottom of the stock shows a small gap next to the bottom metal. 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 Fine overall condition as refurbished.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal Rebuild
Bore Condition: The two grooved bore is bright; semi bright near the muzzle. The rifling is sharp. There is fouling and light intermittent erosion near the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.2.
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 metal shows scruffs, light scrapes, and discoloration. Much of the discoloration is from dried oil residue. The barrel shows scrapes. 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.
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 stock’s swept back bolt handle cut out. It is topped with a Weaver Model 330 scope. The rifle and scope are both in Very Good Plus to Fine condition and should keep you smiling out at the range. This is a nice 1903A4 Sniper to add to your collection. Good luck.