I just acquired 1093 Springfield. It's set up with the J. Unertl 8X scope. It all looks correct but the scope is not marked "USMC SNIPER". Were there ever repoductions of the USMC sniper rifle offered? Serial number puts it about 1930 production. The USMC modified these in about 1941 to use as sniper rifles. Hope there is someone out there with more knowledge than I have.
Springfield 1903 "sniper" rifle
- Thread starter dlb435
- Start date
speedyjerry
Moderator
Sweet Rifle (needs a recoil pad) 
I've done more checking into this rifle. It appears to be what you would call a reproduction of the USMC sniper rifle. The scope is a 14X scope and was not over-stamped with USMC SNIPER. It seems that there were made between 1960 and 1980 to sell to old Marine Corp soldiers that wanted "a peice of history". They were never sold as the real deal and the price reflects that. Very few USMC SNIPER rifles ever found their way into the market. Prices run about $12,000 to $15,000 for a genuine rifle.
Reproductions ran from obvious fakes to rifles that were so correct that only an expert could tell the differance. This one seems to be in about the middle of the road. Prices range from $1300 to $6000 depending on the quality of the reproduction. I would put the value in about the $1500 to $2500 range depending who would want it.
I think I'll load up some low pressure 30-06 rounds and see how it shoots. The barrel is in only NRA good condition so I'm not expecting too much.
Reproductions ran from obvious fakes to rifles that were so correct that only an expert could tell the differance. This one seems to be in about the middle of the road. Prices range from $1300 to $6000 depending on the quality of the reproduction. I would put the value in about the $1500 to $2500 range depending who would want it.
I think I'll load up some low pressure 30-06 rounds and see how it shoots. The barrel is in only NRA good condition so I'm not expecting too much.
Singlesix1954
New member
Nice old battle rifle. Just shoot it. I like my "03". I don't even have glass.
You have a parts rifle, not an 03A4. The first consideration for the 03A4 was in January 1943, long after the rifle you have was made. No rifle was reconditioned to be an 03A4 as all were new production of Remington or Smith-Corona actions. No Springfield 03A4s were ever made. Serial number blocks 4,992,001 thru 5,784,000 were to be used. Some of the Remington rifles in that block were made as an 03A3. Total number of 03A4s made was 28,365. Production stopped at Remington Feb 28, 1944, Smith Corona stopped Feb 14, 1944. The only scope ever approved for use on the 03A4 was the Weaver 330 3 power scope that had a military designation of M73b1. The only mounts used were Redfield Juniors. Production was short due to the Garand Sniper being considered the better rifle.
The above information comes from memos to Mr W T Woods of Remington Arms, Capt. William C Morin, Army Inspector of Ordinance and Contracting. You'll also find the same info in Hatchers Notebook.
The above information comes from memos to Mr W T Woods of Remington Arms, Capt. William C Morin, Army Inspector of Ordinance and Contracting. You'll also find the same info in Hatchers Notebook.