Thanks for the picture, a very nice looking rifle and scope mount.
Please also answer the question re the scope designation and potential arsenal stamps and P on grip area of the 1903A4 rifle.
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Thanks for the picture, a very nice looking rifle and scope mount.
Please also answer the question re the scope designation and potential arsenal stamps and P on grip area of the 1903A4 rifle.
So a commercial 330 scope that seemed to had been militarized. Still the first time for me I see a scope matched to a rifle action. This was nothing done factory, so it should minimum had been through an Arsenal overhaul, but if it were through an arsenal, it would carry an arsenal stamp on the stock, what so far you had not given information upon, but I suspect not. Chuck had already pointed out the crossbolts, I had pointed out the K marked cutoff that identifies the stock as a replacement stock.
After full consideration I think your rifle carries a replacement stock that had been stamped to look like it comes from factory. Check https://bardalls.com/ . Here you can buy all stamps that you can find on your rifle.
All the 03A4 rifles I see that came through the DCM in the 1960's and 1970's came without scopes.
Seems to be put together from parts, but it is a nice clean rifle. Id be willing to bet those cross bolts are not tightened.
Mike
Update: As to the cross bolts, when I first obtained the rifle it had some rather rusty cross bolts and nuts. I changed them out at that time and put the originals "somewhere" (I know, I know..). I found the originals the other day while cleaning out a drawer, cleaned them off, and put them back in place without incident.
For me, the stamp (ordnance wheel) is not original .
Stock Stamps - WWII 1903a3 serial #3731435
As to the revers "K" on this stock, I recently found this information. Thoughts?
Author Lt. Col. William Brophy indicates that the 1903A4 with a scant stock marked with a reverse "K" is found in a serial number range designated "Block 3" with approximately 7,000 manufactured.
Reply: 1. More pics would help.
a. close up of bolt handle notch with handle raised & pulled to the rear.
b. underside of barrel (6 o'clock) about 3 to 5 inches back from muzzle.
c. receiver showing c/u of sn.
d. Stock markings forward of the magazine box assembly (6 o'clock)
Keystone was unquestionably an OEM supplier to Remington. I have had an A4 w a Scant Keystone stock numbered only about 2300 Rifles earlier than this one. It has factory markings on the stock. Also my rifle was at one point issued to Thailand. The Thais placed their national marks on the butt stock and on the receiver ring. So I feel certain the rifle has been together probably since the late 40's or early 50's.
I also have never seen an M73b1 or 330C scope marked with the rifle s/n. In all the examples I have seen the scope numbers are ALWAYs range in the low 4 digits to around 35,XXX. (total A4 production was about 28,xxx pieces.).
Hop this helps.
Jim