Sporterized 1903A4

C

Calfed

New member
Recently got this 1903A4 WWII sniper rifle at an auction. It wasn't identified as such, but the receiver markings indicated that it was one of the first batches of the A4 models. Now that I actually have it, I confirmed that it is an 03A4, with the correct and possibly original scope mount and bolt. The rings and scope are newer and unfortunately, it has been sporterized. Still trying to decide whether to try and bring it back from the "dark side"

The good news: The barrel is GI and uncut. Bore is a 2 groove, mirror sharp and gauges a "0" on the CMP muzzle gauge
03A4016-1.jpg


The bad news: date and manufacturer, as well as the punch mark, it there ever was one, have been buffed off.

The floor plate is milled and has a release button and hinge.
03A4010-1.jpg


Hard to see, but the scope mount is marked "redfield"
03A4012-1.jpg


receiver markings, including the serial number are visible at both sides of the scope mount
03A4005-1.jpg

03A4011-1.jpg


The bolt has been polished and there is a letter "R" with a punch mark next to it on the underside of the handle. Nort sure if this an original A4 bolt or not. No safety lever.
03A4002-1.jpg
 
If I had that particular rifle, AND I wanted an 03A4 Sniper for display and/or military shoots, and/or my personal use, etc, I would restore it as much as possible, with a period correct military stock & scope, floorplate, etc.

I would also have to rationalize the expense as lost, because there's no way it could ever be resold as original, after the restoration, for the obvious reasons you gave, and the reblue.

Other than that , IMHO, it's a nice representational Springfield Sporter, as is - and well worth keeping/shooting/hunting.

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I'm with 4V50 Gary, restore so it looks like the original 1903A4 it is. all the Call of Duty fans that see it will be awe struck:D No but seariously, if your intentions are to collect military rifles then I would restore it to look as such.
 
I think an uncut A4 is definitely worth restoring, at least appearance-wise. If it had been a more run-of-the-mill A3, the payoff wouldn't be worth the effort for me.
 
My sons and I got to the range to shoot it last Friday. After we determined that the A4 liked 180 grain Federal Powershoks better than the 150 grains, and a bit of tinkering with the Weaver 4X Marksman scope, my son put three into a 5 and 1/2 inch reactive target @ 100 yards. That is NOT going to make it any easier to take this nicely done sporter apart. I love an accurate rifle.

03A4019-1.jpg


There was a fairly stiff left to right cross wind, so I figured this was pretty close to being dead on.
 
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