Springfield 1903 Winchester A5 Sniper Scope .30-06 Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $2525
LSB#: 211002NI35
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1903. This rifle has been assembled to mimic a USMC M1903 A5 Sniper Rifle.
Serial Number: 1499348
Year of Manufacture: 1935 (page 373 of Joe Poyer’s book, The Model 1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, Third Edition) Barrel Date: 3 – 38
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked should read “U.S. / SPRINGFIELD / ARMORY / MODEL 1903. / 1499348”. The marking is partially covered by the scope base. The top of the Springfield barrel is marked “S A / flaming bomb / 3 – 38”. The safety is marked “SAFE READY” and the magazine cutoff is marked “ON OFF”. The top of the bolt handle is marked “N.S.” for nickel steel. The bottom of the bolt handle is marked with a punch and a partial stamping. The bolt body is marked with the serial number in electric pencil. The bottom of the bayonet lug is marked “H”. The barrel band is marked “U”. The bottom of the grip is marked with a “circled P” proof. The left side of the stock, above the trigger, is marked “O.G.E.H. in a rectangle” which is a post WWII Arsenal Rebuild stamp from the Ogden Arsenal (page 390). It is next to “RA” which is a Remington Arms inspection stamp (page 404). The sling is marked “G.&K. / 1918 / J. B.”.
The Winchester A5 scope is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S.A. PATENTED FEBRUARY 9, 1909.” and “A5”. The scope bases are each marked “PAT. NOV. 5. 1907.”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade set in a raised base. The rear sight is a “U” notched blade attached to a fully adjustable sight ladder marked from “3-27”. When flipped up separate notches and an aperture on the ladder can be used for sighting.
The rifle is topped with a 5 power scope that uses a thin crosshair reticle. The scope bases are attached to the barrel and receiver by screws. The view is mostly clear. The bottom right of the view has black flecks along the edge. The scope tube & cap shows scrapes & scratches. The tube also shows a small dent. Overall the scope assembly is in about Very Good Plus condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a straight grip, metal nosecap with bayonet lug, stacking loop, barrel band, two sling loops, two through bolts and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The refinished buttplate has light surface erosion showing through the finish. It also shows scrapes. The refinished barrel band has pin prick surface erosion showing through the finish. The top of the handguard has been cut to accommodate the front scope base. The wood shows several scrapes & scratches that have been oiled over. Most of the marks are light. 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 as refurbished.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal Rebuild
Bore Condition: The lands are bright and the grooves are semi bright. The rifling is deep. There is fouling and a freckling of light erosion in the groves near the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.5.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The metal shows scrapes, small scratches, and a light freckling of discoloration from oxidation. The barrel and front sight show light surface erosion. 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 have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a leather sling that shows scrapes, surface cracking, discoloration, and a spew of fats & oils. The edge shows 2 small tears along the bottom. It is in about Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: This Springfield Model 1903 was made back in 1935. It has been upgraded to mimic a United States Marine Corps Model 1903 A5 Sniper Rifle. It is topped with a Winchester A5 scope which was made between 1909 and 1928. The USMC M1903 A5 Sniper is a Rare Military Sniper Rifle. The A5 Sniper Rifle was used by the Marines during WWI and at the beginning of WWII. The barrel on this one has some finish issues but should clean up. This 1903 would make for a nice addition to your Military collection.
For an interesting read on the A5 Sniper see https://usmcweaponry.com/usmc-m1903-a5-sniper-rifle/ .