Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Auction Company is pleased to present this bolt-action rifle today for a penny start auction, this is the Remington 1903A4 Sniper Rifle!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Remington
Model: 1903A4 Sniper (03-A4)
Serial: Z4000295
Date of Manufacture: 1944
Caliber: .30-06
Finish: Parkerized
Barrel Length: 24"
Optics/Sights: Mounted Weaver M73B1 WWII Scope (SN 25001)
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Bolt
Markings: The Receiver is stamped "U.S./REMINGTON/MODEL 03-A3/Serial Number". The Barrel behind the front sight is stamped "RA/Flaming Bomb/3-44. The left side of the butt is marked with an “ria/eb” overhaul stamp that signifies the rifle was overhauled at Rock Island Arsenal under the supervision of Elmer jerke between 1947 to 1958. The bottom of the grip is marked with a “P” proof. / 5 Proof Inspector marks on stock in front of magazine well.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
All of these rifles were stamped 1903A3 even though they were 1903A4. Apparently this was in case the rifles did not work out as sniper rifles, in which case they could have the scope and mount removed, have iron sights added and then they would be standard M1903A3 rifles. A very few were overstamped by the military after issue as “A4.”
2nd Block: 15,000 numbers assigned June 20, 1943 from SN 4,000,001 to 4,015,000 from which a second authorization totaling 8365 rifles was to come. It was initiated on September 11, 1943 upon the Lyman Corporation’s scheduled entry into scope production for the “Snipers” program expansion as previously announced on August 2, 1943. However, this Second Block was suspended after about 2980 numbers were used due to an overrun of the “03A3 production into the block in midOctober. These “Snipers” rifles were then ordered “Z” prefixed per an August 11, 1943 Ordnance directive changing the methodology for avoiding serial number duplicates.
This is an original Weaver M73 B1 Scope. These were used on the Springfield 1903-A4 sniper rifles during WW2. The scope is excellent with crisp, clean optics.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Model: 1903A4 Sniper (03-A4)
Serial: Z4000295
Date of Manufacture: 1944
Caliber: .30-06
Finish: Parkerized
Barrel Length: 24"
Optics/Sights: Mounted Weaver M73B1 WWII Scope (SN 25001)
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Bolt
Markings: The Receiver is stamped "U.S./REMINGTON/MODEL 03-A3/Serial Number". The Barrel behind the front sight is stamped "RA/Flaming Bomb/3-44. The left side of the butt is marked with an “ria/eb” overhaul stamp that signifies the rifle was overhauled at Rock Island Arsenal under the supervision of Elmer jerke between 1947 to 1958. The bottom of the grip is marked with a “P” proof. / 5 Proof Inspector marks on stock in front of magazine well.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
All of these rifles were stamped 1903A3 even though they were 1903A4. Apparently this was in case the rifles did not work out as sniper rifles, in which case they could have the scope and mount removed, have iron sights added and then they would be standard M1903A3 rifles. A very few were overstamped by the military after issue as “A4.”
This is the rifle model depicted in the movie, “Saving Private Ryan” carried by Canadian left-handed actor Barry Pepper of Vancouver, B.C. The film crew however used two different model scopes on this rifle, including the USMC style Unertl.
All Remington 1903A4 production was in 1943 and fell between serial numbers 3407088 and 4998320. Remington made all 29,964 Model 1903A4 rifles. 1903A4 receivers were all marked MODEL 03-A3, but the markings are offset to be readable when the Redfield Junior scope mount base is installed. Some but not all Remington 1903A4 serial numbers have a Z prefix. Model 1903A4 rifles fall in three serial number blocks: 3407088 to 34427087, 4992001 to 4999045, and Z4000000 to Z4002920. It is speculated but not verified that scrapped receivers which were recovered had a letter 'A' hand stamped before the serial number.2nd Block: 15,000 numbers assigned June 20, 1943 from SN 4,000,001 to 4,015,000 from which a second authorization totaling 8365 rifles was to come. It was initiated on September 11, 1943 upon the Lyman Corporation’s scheduled entry into scope production for the “Snipers” program expansion as previously announced on August 2, 1943. However, this Second Block was suspended after about 2980 numbers were used due to an overrun of the “03A3 production into the block in midOctober. These “Snipers” rifles were then ordered “Z” prefixed per an August 11, 1943 Ordnance directive changing the methodology for avoiding serial number duplicates.
This is an original Weaver M73 B1 Scope. These were used on the Springfield 1903-A4 sniper rifles during WW2. The scope is excellent with crisp, clean optics.
Some key points about the M1903A4:
- The bolt was specially bent to clear the scope
- A notch was cut into the stock for the bolt.
- Iron sights were never installed. Most reference books are in error that say the sights were “removed.” The notch for mounting the front sight should have undamaged Parkerizing.
- The markings on top of the rifle were placed on the left and right sides at the factory so that they would not be obscured when the scope was mounted. This is extremely hard to fake.
- Redfield “Junior” scope mount and rings were fitted.
- Rifles left the factory with blued metal stock bands etc. Most U.S. Army small arms were rebuilt and parts were Parkerized at that time.
- Some 1903A4 had the “C” Stock but some came with the “Scant” stock. The “C” stock was the most desirable, but the old stock blanks that Remington had obtained were intended to be used to make “Straight” stocks and did not leave enough wood to make a full “C” stock, so the “Scant” stock was a compromise, making as much of a pistol grip as possible within the blank.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping $65.00
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
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Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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