What to look for in a RA1903-A4?

[Baba Louie]

Put one on layaway. On consignment, asking $2200. Definitely split receiver markings for scope base. Redfield base, weaver scope, scant stock but no proof marks... but the barrel (RA 43) has a hooded front sight in place (which is my reason for asking ??), finish running around 85%.

If I could take off the front sight and saw parkerizing beneath, I'd feel pretty reassured... but the question lingers none the less.
It could be a rebuild, but I doubt anyone would add a front sight to an authentic 03-A4 destroying real value.

It is what it is, and at least it has the A4 receiver, which is interesting unto itself and will add to my 03Mk1 (Pederson cutout) and rebarrelled (SA 5-38) 03 pair.

So the 3 main questions would be:
Value of an A4 receiver as is unto itself?
Value as a (potential) A4 sniper clone (even tho' it wears a front sight and I'm pretty sure it was never a sniper)?
If you've got an RA1903-A4 (honest sniper or otherwise) can you tell me a little (or a lot) about it?

(Note to self... Buy Canfield's and Brophy's books)

I blame Gewehr98 and his homebuilt clone (I lust after your entire collection sir) and I will buy it, because it needs a loving home yada yada. Simply curious as to what is correct and values associated with same and clones. (Old family tradition of buying high, selling low, doncha know? )

Once I get it home and put some rounds downrange, I'll see about taking a photo or two.

 

[peyton]

My 1903 a4 has no front sight nor rear sight for that matter. The scope should have markings like m73, they were made by weaver and it is a 3/4 inch tube.

go to this web page and compare markings to yours
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=81585334

2,200 dollars is a lot to pay for a frankenstein, so make sure it a factory original.

 

[peyton]

After reading your post again, I should mention that the rifle is fun and accurate. The post in the scope takes some getting used to. Also remember some extra padding to lessen the bang from the steel buttplate.

 

[Baba Louie]

peyton,
Thanks. The rifle in question looks the same except it sports a front sight (rebarreled maybe?) and has a scant stock (no cartouches). So it has been refurbed by someone in it's past I'm thinking.

I've shot high power over the years and grew up shooting my Dad's 03 and Garands, SMLE's etc, so I'm kinda used to steel buttplates and .30-06 recoil.

Once it's in my hot little hands, I'll see exactly what it's wearing by way of markings. A cursory look at the shop counter told me enough to get me drooling, price tag notwithstanding.

I did order Canfield's "Illustrated Guide" from Amazon. We'll see.

 

[Oohrah]

I have an unfired A4 Remington. An article in the American
Rifleman puts in the serial number range of one of the last
100,000 produced. It came with a Redfield one piece mount,
and no front or rear sights. Also no scope, of which there
where a number of different brands. The stock is a C type
with a full pistol grip. The give away on the A4 is on the
left side of the receiver is stamped parallel to the base scope
mount US Remington 03-A3. On the right side parallel to the
front part of base mount is the serial number. A normal A3 has
this information stamped perpenducular or across the receiver
bridge.
The dead quick ID is first the location of serial number and
stampings running the same direction as the barrel instead of
across the receiver ring. No open sights front or rear. Redfield
single piece base mount with two holes drilled (one where the
rear sight base is and one at the front receiver bridge. Of course
the bent bolt for scope use. Mine a two groove barrel marked
9-43. Stock is C with a full pistol grip.
Without these features, most likely a clone someone has made.

 

[glimmerman]

There should be NO!! park under the front site!!! Original A4 barrels were actually A3 barrels that were parked and front site removed so there would be no park were the front site was. If you have a Real A4 reciever that has a barrel on it with front site, the barrel has been replaced at some time. Also the stock should be serialized to the action if it is an orig stock. Pull the stock off and look in the channel for a ser#.

 

[Baba Louie]

The rifle in question is still at the shop on lay away awaiting my paying it off.
I thought as much about the barrel/front sight being added. The stock is too new to be correct to the serial number (which darnit... I neglected to write down for research) and it's a scant stock not the C stock and is virginal sans any cartouche proof stamps.

So while I know it's not "all original" the receiver/action does have the upside down US Rem 03-A3 separated from the serial number for the scope mount, redfield base, weaver scope (gotta write down the specifics on it as well)... "so I got that going for me" (Carl Spackler voice)

 

[Oohrah]

Glimmer,
Mine is papered from DCM. That I slot where the front sight would
fit, is parkerized. Yep it is an A-3 two groove barrel. The location
of the serial number and confirmation of that series of numbers was
the range of A3s that were made, makes it what it is A3- A4. If
memory serves me correct, there were 500,000 of these A4s built.

 

[Baba Louie]

Well, I found out that the serial number is #34096** on this one and that puts it in the proper range of the first block of 20,000 (maybe the first 3,000) around Feb 43.

Rifles #3407088-3427087 from the first "block" of numbers were diverted, and the first "03-A3" converted was delivered in February 1943.

On 20 June 1943 an additional 8,365 M1909A4 rifles were ordered. The number block for these rifles and possible future orders was 4922001-5784000. After this block had been used to 4997045, the receiver marking was changed to "03-A4" and a new series of numbers begun with Z4000000. In March 1944, with receiver Z4002290, production of the M1903A4 was ended with a total of 29,964 M-1903A4 rifles produced.

Gotta check the "I" slot beneath the front sight (which is shrouded BTW), but my gut tells me it's in the white, not park'd and is a replaced barrel but I recall a '43 date. I'll find out soon enough.

You guys are a fountain of knowledge.

 

[SigfanUSAF]

The Redfield base should have really squared off edges, and the park should be roughly the same as the receiver.

A normal A3 has
this information stamped perpenducular or across the receiver
bridge.

No, it's the same as an A4, parallel to the bbl, only the A4s is spread out further across the ring so as to be viewable with mount installed.
No comments on the toe.