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Need help with 1903A4
A friend has a 1903A4 rifle with scope for sale. He has been told that this is a reproduction rather than an original 1903A4 and has priced it accordingly. To my admittedly limited knowledge and what research I've been able to complete online, it appears to me that this may be an authentic 1903A4. The person advising that this rifle is a fake based his opinion on the Model 03-A3 markings on the receiver. I do not know if the person is dishonest or simply not very knowledgeable.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...3markJPG-1.jpg
I am hoping that the group can take a look at some photos I've made give me an opinion on the authenticity of this rifle. I would appreciate any assistance. I'm not sure if my photos are adequate. I'll be happy to provide additional photos or information.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...eleftJPG-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...rightJPG-1.jpg
The serial number is 3411971. If I'm reading the charts right, this number appears correct for an M1903A4 made in June of 1943.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...alnumJPG-1.jpg
The barrel has a date of 12-43.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...uzzleJPG-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...uzzleJPG-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...zzle2JPG-1.jpg
Several views of the scope follow.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...ectropen-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...ctropen2-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...plateJPG-1.jpg
The markings on the stock are rather faint. On the left side of the stock at the pistol grip are the markings RA, PL and FJA.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...wristJPG-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...eliefJPG-1.jpg
Under the pistol grip is an uppercase P in a circle and an uppercase R, the numeral 3 and maybe a dash?
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...wristJPG-1.jpg
Forward of the floor plate are the following:
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...plateJPG-1.jpg
Here is an image of the bolt cut.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...eliefJPG-1.jpg
The forward sling swivel is marked with a W or M. The swivel at the butt is marked with an R. I don't have an image.
Again I would appreciate any opinions regarding the authenticity of this rifle.
Sam
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Looks honest to me. The markings on the side of the receiver were put there so they are visible with the scope base installed!
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Thanks Brian. The person claimed that the rifle must be a fake because the receiver is marked 03-A3 instead of 03-A4.
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It's got some character from honest use too which appeals to me. Nice rifle.
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It looks nice and as it should be, however something about the receiver markings is strange. The serial numbers appear to be slightly out of line, aswell the font of the manufacturers marking seem to be ... strange. Compare it with pictures of how it should look like, I'm really not sure whether it's legit or not. Basically nothing looks to be wrong, however nowadays this needs to be checked double time. And if he's really your friend, you should tell him if it's legit or not, if he says the same thing on you aswell he'll then still charge you the same - but none of you will ever have the feeling that someone tried to take advantage of one another.
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There's nothing strange about the serial number that I can see. I have 3417342 w/ 7-43 barrel. It looks exactly the same to me.
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It appears to be correct to me. What is the asking price?
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I appreciate the information. The owner, a good friend, had the price set at $1200.00 thinking that the rifle was not an authentic 03A4. I told him that I thought the rifle was authentic and his price was low. What would be a fair price for an 03A4 in this condition?
Sam
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This is a deal between friends. He is placing it into good hands. The price is a about right considering all of this.
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Actually I am not purchasing the rifle. I am just trying to check on the authenticity and get an idea of the value.
Sam