Remington Fed Ord 1903-A4 03A3 Sniper .30-06 Bolt Action Rifle 1943 C&R
Sold For: $3,550.01
LSB#: 200807DW01
Make: Remington, Federal Ordnance Re-Import
Model: 1903-A4 (Sniper Version of the 1903-A3)
Serial Number: 3409163
Year of Manufacture: 1943, C&R (page 374 of Joe Poyer’s book, The M1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition) Barrel Date: December, 1942
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 “3409163”. The top of the Remington barrel is marked “R A / flaming bomb / 12 – 42”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “P”. The safety is marked “SAFE READY” and the magazine cutoff is marked “ON OFF”. The magazine cutoff is marked “R”. The right side of the barrel is marked “FED ORD INC. S.E.M. CA.”. The right of the barrel band is marked “U”. The right rear of the trigger guard, mag follower, and mag spring are marked “R”.
The left side of the scope is marked “THE LYMAN GUN SIGHT CORP. / MADE IN U.S.A. MIDDLEFIELD, CONN. / U.S. PATENT NO. 2078858” and “ALASKAN 30575”. The adjustment knob base is marked “ALL WEATHER” in 2 places. Both caps are marked “7575180”. The top rear of the scope is marked “7634670”. The top is marked “2 1/2 POWER”.
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 Lyman Alaskan scope with a fine crosshair. The scope tube and caps show small scratches, discoloration from oxidation, little scuffs, and some thinning. The glass is clear with a few dark little spots around the circumference. 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 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. The lower portion of the stock is comprised of two pieces of wood that meet at a joint under the barrel band. The wood shows scattered compressions and draglines, the heaviest being on the front of the wrist. The left of the butt has a small scrape that has darkened with age. There are a few impact marks through the finish which have darkened with age, most noticeable on the handguard. 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 is proud on the right side. The plate displays light wear around the edges. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to Importer Rebuild
Bore Condition: The four grooved bore is dark. The rifling is worn but clearly defined. There is erosion and a few pits scattered throughout, they are mainly in the grooves. The bore shows an M.E. of 2.75.
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 balance of the finish shows some spots of erosion ranging from light pinpricks to pitting. The heaviest erosion is on the underside of the bolt knob. There is more visible erosion on the right of the receiver, rear sling swivel mount, and on the trench block lever and housing. The bottom metal is shy to the wood. Some of the components such as the bolt and bottom metal assembly have variances in the color of finish of their parts, most noticeable on the mag plate and safety lever. There are some scattered pits on the bolt. There is standard operational wear on the bolt. There is some thinning on the bottom metal. The screw heads show use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus 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, trigger guard and some of the 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 first series serial range. The barrel dates to 1942 and the receiver to 1943 and there is an import mark on the right of the barrel from Federal Ordnance, who applied new finish and installed the parts. During the Korean War, some 1903-A4 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). The 1903-A4s have a major cool factor and appeal to just about anyone who enjoys collecting. This is a great addition to any collection, but some of the serious builders may want it just for the correct serial number Remington receiver, 1942 dated four groove barrel, and the Lyman Alaskan scope! This sniper is a great addition to just about any safe in the nation! Please see our photos and good luck!
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable? (THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO OUT-OF-STATE RESIDENTS): This C&R rifle can be transferred in California. All C&R firearms must be transferred through your local dealer OR at our Simi Valley location; we cannot ship directly to a C&R holder in California. Out of state residents can disregard this section – your local laws apply.
