Gibbs 1903-A4

[garrettbragg12]

In my collection so far, I have a garand and carbine. My next step is a 1903 of done type, no specific preference. After looking around, the 1903-A4 clones made by Gibbs really caught my eye. I've read some reviews, but I'd really like to hear from you guys who have had hands on experience. Thanks!


M1/M3 Carbine: late '44 Inland
M1 Garand: late '44 Springfield

Information

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[JGaynor]

If you go to the top of tis forum on the upper right hand side you will see a a tab marked "FORUM TOOLS" just to the right of that "SEARCH THIS FORUM" . Click on SEARCH THIS FORUM and a box will open up. Type "GIBBS 03-A4" in the box. Hit "enter".
You should see a couple of dozen responses.

Regards,
Jim

[Salt Flat]

Several things to consider with the Gibbs 03a4:
1) Most were built on drill rifle receivers.
2) The bolt shape isn't even close to an original.
3) The scopes are mostly cheap Chinese copies.
Do you really want to pay $1000 for a converted drill rifle? I'm not questioning their safety, it's just a quality issue for me. I re-read the old posts about this and know this is controversial but I get irritated every time I hear about someone buying one before they know about the drill rifle issues. I think it would be better to find an older 03a3 sporter and convert it to 03a4 configuration just the way you want it. Salt Flat

[Horrido]

garrettbragg12:

Bought Gibbs 1903A4 this month (Jan). Havn't had it out yet. Finnish and fit I have no complaints. I purchased the rifle from Aimsurplus ($999.00, included shipping), with my C&R. When I was going to buy one about a 1 1/2 years ago, and they said I would have to go through an FFL dealer. I said that the receiver is over 50 years old and that is the cutoff for C&R. Long story short, I ordered one through my local gunshop. Gibbs kept saying they were 6 months behind. That went on for about a year. Gave up, and while surfing the net, I found out through Airsurplus that the rifle was now C&R elegiable. So, I have one!
Looking now for repo leather scope caps that are reasonable in price and look like original. Didn't like the M1907 sling that came with rifle. Had a finish on it that was not "military" looking. Looked to "Hollywood", so bought a repo from Welcome :: World War Supply, which looks a lot better. Rub it down with Neets foot oil so they look like originals. Bottom line, paying $1000 for a repo and having a shooter, than paying eight grand for an original and not shooting it is a GREAT deal! I have an M1D and C shooters, and an original M1D from DCM (CMP) that I don't shoot!