A4 Sniper Korean War spec

[mrclark303]

Morning all,

I am fitting out my A3 (re built as an A4) out as a Korean war example, I am fitting a leather butt cheek rest as I believe they were widely issued bits of kit in Korea, so presumably would have been fitted to the A4's still in use..

Anyone got any images of A4's being used in Korea, also how widely were they still in use at that time, I would assume replacement by the M1C Garand must have been virtually complete by then ??

I assume the A4 was issued because the Korean war surge overtook the available number of M1C's, just a guess....

Information

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[Chuckindenver]

the A4 was not issued with a leather cheek pad...at anytime during service.

[mrclark303]

OK, thats interesting, so why no cheek pad, if as I believe it was available at the time of the Korean war ?

[JGaynor]

The standard scope for the M1903A4 was the M73B1 (a militarized version of the Weaver 330C). It was mounted on a standard standard Redfield Jr base in low rings. The combination resulted in one of the lowest (if not the lowest) line of sight over the bore line measurements of any sniper rifle. Also both versions of the Stock, M1903A1 (full pistol grip and scant grip) used on the A4 had the same straight high comb stock.

The M1C and D had the scope mounted above the bore and offset to the left to allow loading and ejection of the standard eight round cartridge clip. The leather cheek pad had three felt pads so the thickness could be adjusted and was attached to the stock with a leather lace and two screws. On an M1 Sniper the pad was nescessary to get the shooters right eye into the correct position.

On the A4 however it was not really necessary.

Regards,
Jim

[mrclark303]

Thanks for that excellent answer.....just what I have been waiting for, you sir know your stuff I will fit the leather pad anyway....it looks cool, if not completely correct, I bet someone in Korea fitted one!

[JGaynor]

Thanks for that excellent answer.....just what I have been waiting for, you sir know your stuff I will fit the leather pad anyway....it looks cool, if not completely correct, I bet someone in Korea fitted one!

Well i think most of us learned to "never say never" when it comes to the doings of ordnance in the field. At any rate here a couple of links you may find interesting. Both are provided courtesy of Garand, M1, M14, M16, Carbine, 1911, 1917, Militaria, Small Arms in the "Free Stuff" section of their site.


How to lace and mount the cheek pad
http://www.nicolausassociates.com/PD...d.Mounting.pdf

M1903A4 specifications (for general interest):
http://www.nicolausassociates.com/PD...ber%201942.pdf

Regards,
Jim

[gastrapsforme]

Like Chuck and Jim said the rifle would never have had one on it. Having one installed on an a4 would bring the shooters eyes away from the scope. Why have to lean your head back into alignment with the scope if you didn't have to. It not only would be uncomfortable but also affect accuracy. It's needed for a m1 sniper as the scope is off set. No sniper would affect his shots so his rifle would look cool. It's still your rifle and do as you please, but it was never issued with one, and no one who cared about making accurate shots would install it. Kevin

[mrclark303]

Hi Kevin,

No offence, but you can take things to seriously! I have fitted the pad with one felt removed and it does seem very comfortable, sight line is still good and accuracy unaffected.

Its only lace on and I won't be screwing it into position...let's not loose sight of the fact this is a hobby and supposed to be fun!

Many thanks for all the feedback guys and these Springfield's could get addictive, the Korean war theme continued, would it have had the leather or web sling by point in history?

Also who used them in Vietnam, still limited general issue or just provided to the ARVN ?

[mrclark303]

Question for you guys, (because I can't make my mind up on this one) should I replace the repro stock with an original NOS "C" stock, there is a chance of buying one, would it increase the value or make no difference ???

What would you guys do.

Thoughts welcome guys ?

PS, accuracy is very pleasing, two inch groups at 200 yds, not bad from a two groove 1942 dated barrel!

[JGaynor]

On a "clone A4" it would make little difference. Also proper preparation of the bolt handle notch is a more challenging project than most people realize.