1903A4 serial numbers vs m73b1 serial

Hi folks,
I may have missed this somewhere but I'm looking for correct ranges of serial numbers between the scopes, I know the known estimated ranges of type 1, 2a, 2b, 3 scope but where do they coincide with the a4's. I have rifle 3425371 and scope stamped 21038 which falls under type 2b. My question pertains as I'd like to find an original blued m73b1 in the correct serial range for my rifle as the one I have appears to have been through a refurb and reparked. Rifle is original spec as far as I can telll. Pics for those that need visual reference
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...04FB97B4-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...7196C868-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...A6F29596-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...0CA4A918-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...FF662417-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...91CB110E-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...C0D13B2E-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...62642318-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...06C52E70-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...7061446C-1.jpg

I was under the impression that the 1903A4 always had the full pistol grip, the scant stocks being held as replacements, does someone know?

The later 03-A4's were issued with the scant stocks. If they have the RA, FJA, and Crossed cannons cartouches and the little cartouches in front of the trigger guard, they are legit.

I've never seen any version of a M73B1 scope with a stamped serial # like yours. All I've ever seen (100's) were electro-penciled

Further I see signs of the scope having been taken apart. Perhaps a parts scope?

Weaver reportedly furnished about 35,000 scopes to the USG during WW2. Remington is known to have made around 28,300~ M1903A4 rifles. The earliest A4's were reportedly furnished with Weaver 330 scopes which were straight commercial models (including some 330 Scope - M.8 models) which had no serial number applied. Today we see the M73B1's with numbers starting mainly in the 5000 range.

So generally speaking its likely that a lower number rifle would have left the Remington plant with a lower numbered scope.

It's also important to remember that by late 43 all three serial number ranges of A4 rifles could have essentially been in production at the same time. So minor features and production traits could have easily overlapped.

I have had in my possession an A4 since about 1968 serial number 3423505 with a scant stock. Both the receiver and the stock have the markings of the Thai government. It also has the Factory inspection stamps and no indication of a rebuild. So scant stocks would seem to have begun to appear on rifles late in the production of the first block.

I concur with Mike Haas comments. I believe he has studied M73B1 Markings as closely as any one.

I looked at your scope serial # again today. We really need a couple of better pictures. I "think" I'm seeing a "ghost" of a eltro-penciled serial # correctly aliegned with the roll stamped SERIAL NO. position. It would be very interesting to be able to clarify that for certain.

The wear patterns and general appearance of your rifle and scope appear consistant. Perhaps some others can better discern the "ghost marking" I think I'm seeing.

None of this changes my initial comment on the apparent handstamped serial # of your scope. I've never seen such before.

Mike Haas

Mike you are absolutely right, there is ghosting and appears to be the same serial. I tried messing with contrast but all I can get a pic of and see is 21 by the naked eye I can see 210_8
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...54082E91-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...7C45283D-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...93E97C69-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...A2188B03-1.jpg

your initial pictue was better. Try taking pics using a terry cloth towel in med blue or green color for background in natural light and no flash. Also try fron a slight angle both from the rear and front of scope. keep playing with camera, lighting and angles. Also lightly oil that area of the scope and very gently wipe the excess off before photos taken.

My initial impession of your "ghost" serial is it may be "525(3)?

HTH..Mike Haas