National Match 1903 or 1903A4

[lencac]

Hi Guys:
It's just me asking another rediculous question.
If you had the choice and you could only choose one, and both being in excellent condition which would you pick and why?
Choice 1) Springfield 1903 National Match
Choice 2) Remington 1903A4 sniper

This should be interesting

 

[davera]

I think I would go for the 03 National Match. I have an 03A3 already and have read that the 03A4 was not that good of a sniper rifle. All else being equal, I'd rather have an 03A1 with the big ol' long Unertl scope.

PS I sure wouldn't turn down an 03A4 at a price I could afford though.

 

[mustanger98]

Well, two points from my point of view...

1- I don't get along all that well with scopes, and...

2- I already have a '03A3 build on a commercial receiver and like those sights very well. I know I can hit with 'em.

So, between the NM '03 and the '03A4, I'd have to go with the NM '03.

 

[Slamfire]

I would take the NM.

There are a lot of excellent condition A4's out there. The CMP sold a bunch in the 90's. The NM was limited edition. I have no doubt that more rounds went through them then ever went through A4's. So the survival rate would be less. And there is something about having a precision piece of machinery.

The A4 was a rough and ready two groove rifle with a scope. I have friends that have them, and if it shoots 1.5 " at 100 yards, well that's OK. Don't expect MOA or even sub MOA, they were not built to the standards of the NM 03.

 

[cracked butt]

03A4

I would have a lot more use for a rifle with a scope than one with iron sights especially since Springfields aren't fired in service rifle competition anymore.

 

[Cannonball888]

Springfield 1903 National Match

 

[gcrookston]

I enjoyed a 1903 NM. I really enjoyed it. But when a financial crisis came about in 2004, I had to decide what of 242 guns needed to go, and which would I keep. Over the course of 18 months, my collection dwindled to just 14 units. The M1A I kept, my 03s (there were 3 total, one NM), were sold.

Now that I am well healed, another original is on my list to acquire. The one pictured was a 1927 vintage with all paperwork, including a rebarrel at springfield in 1936. It had the headless cocking piece and reverse safety. It was sold to an advanced collector in FL who has displayed it along with a number of other NMs ever year at Camp Perry.

 

[lencac]

Looks like national match 1903s are the more desired .... so far. But take a look at Gewehr98's 1903A4 in the thread ...... I don't know that looks like a pretty darm nice rifle to me
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=324760