Remington Model 03-A4 Sniper .30-06 24″ WWII Bolt Action Rifle MFD 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $4525
LSB#: 220214KS006
Make: Remington
Model: 1903-A4. Sniper Version of the 1903-A3.
Serial Number: 3423803
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: August, 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 “3423803”. The top of the Remington barrel is marked “R A / flaming bomb / 8 – 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, nosecap, stacking loop, and front sling loop are all stamped “R” for Remington. The extractor collar has a circled “R”. The right rear of the bolt is marked with a “6” in a box. The bottom of the grip is marked with a “P” proof. The left side of the wrist is stamped with a Frank J. Atwood “FJA” cartouche, crossed cannon cartouche, and a Remington Arms “RA” cartouche. The front of the pistol grip is marked with a circle “P” cartouche and is also stamped “Z”. The bottom of the stock in front of the floorplate has numerous stampings.
The scope plate is marked “MODEL 330 / PATD-PATS PEND. / W.R. WEAVER CO. / EL PASO . TEX U.S.A.”. The right side of the scope base is marked “R” at the front.
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 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 base & rings show small scrapes, spots of oxidation & handling marks. The rings hold a 2.5 fixed power scope with a graduated post and crosshair reticle. The glass is clear. There are some scattered scratches, scuffs, areas of thinning, areas of oxidation, and areas of patina. The scope assembly is in about Very Good condition. A leather lens cover is included.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The Type 9B 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 Type 9B was made without finger grooves.
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 a hinged door for storage. There are numerous scattered compressions, draglines, dings, and scratches. Most of the defects have colored with age. Some of the deepest marks are on the top of the handguard at the rear. There are some scattered oil marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some scattered finish loss, oxidation, and erosion. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The 2 grooved bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There are a few little spots of minor erosion. 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 94% of its metal finish. There are a few scuffs and light marks on the barrel. The nosecap and bottom metal assembly have some scattered nicks, scuffs, and scratches. There are some oil marks on the receiver and bottom metal. The bolt handle has some thinning from standard use. The screw heads show moderate use. The markings are clear. 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.
The safety functions in the “FIRE” and “SAFE” positions. The safety lever will not flip straight up or to the right “SAFE & LOCKED” position. It is blocked by the scope.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a scope assembly; see above.
The rifle comes with 3 technical manuals that cover the use of the rifle and the scope.
Our 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, 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. 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 was made during WWII. It has nice Remington markings on the receiver, barrel, bolt, and other small parts. The rifle is in 1903-A4 sniper configuration and has the correct serial number to fall within the 1903-A4 serial number ranges. It looks great and is topped with a Weaver Model 330 scope. The rifle and scope should keep you smiling out at the range. This 1903A4 Sniper will add to your WWII collection. Please see our photos and good luck!