WTK- How do I determine originality of a o3a4

I bought a 1942 1903 tonight that is a rebuild (more on that later) but the guy has a 03a4 that he is looking to sell. He inherited a large number of guns and does not want to keep the a4. I am going to try to go look at it later this week, but don't know much about them. How do I determine originality and what do I look for? I realize that's a big question, but I'll likely need to make a decision fairly quickly so I'd like to educate myself as much as possible. Of course I'll need to determine value as well. If any one can point me in the direction of a few websites or other suggestions I'd be very appreciative.

Tonight I purchased a 1942 Remington 1903 with a 4-42 "flaming bomb" barrel, RP-P, FJA and P marked. The RP-P stamp covers part of the FJA stamp, is that normal? It has a nice dark finish on many of the parts, there are a few bolt parts that are either blue or lighter in color. Upper hand guard does not match the lower wood, it's quite a bit lighter. I think it looks reasonably nice for a rebuild, but I'll post photos tomorrow for your opinions.

Thanks in advance,

Bob

Certainly not an expert on these, but seems I recall the receiver lettering is upside down on these. Also I think they have a distict serial number range. Try this SPRINGFIELD ARMORY US MODEL 1903 RIFLE SERIAL NUMBER RANGES

M1903A4 Snipers rifles were made using unmarked M1903A3 receivers. The receiver markings on the A4 were spread little father apart so as to be readable with the scope base installed. Also the font used for the A4 serial number is slightly smaller than that used for the number on the A3.

Original A4 receivers were marked "Model 03-A3" the intent being that if any were insufficiently accurate for sniper duty they would be converted back to standard M1903A3 rifles. During postwar rebuilds in some cases the trailing "3" in the nomenclature was struck out and a "4" added.

For reliable serial number information i would refer you to these two sites which are "stickied" at the top of this forum:

Vi Shooter
Vi Shooter's Web Pages - Extensive Information on M1903 & Variants - Military Surplus Collectors Forums

Remington Society of America Copy Right William Hansen
http://www.remingtonsociety.com/imag...pers_-2005.pdf

If you have the opportunity to take and post photographs of the rifle we will endeavor to help you in more detail.

Regards,

Jim

I would second the advice about the spacing of the nomenclature on the bridge of the receiver. In the past several years there have been many fakes of this rifle made, and many will claim there were gobs of authentic 'a4s made on the typically marked A3 receiver. I disagree. A true A4 will have the nomenclature spaced as described. Then you have to determine if the redfield mount is correct, as they made many of these for several years with a variety of subtle differences, ie., case hardening on the adjustment screws. The bolt itself was a particular type. The scopes have been faked on these, and period commcercial scopes have had fake data plates applies to them to look real. Suggest you do a lot of reading before plunking down big money. Post pics so we can help.

Definitely something to do your homework on before buying, specially if some portions are not correct. Even if you get a decent "deal" on them you could easily end up with more into it than its worth if you have to correct the deficiencies. Also, a large number of replicas on the market these days so be careful, educating yourself properly in this field is no short task either. Like stated earlier, post the pics and we'll help you out.

I hope to be able to see it this weekend. I'll grab a few photos and see what I can get posted.
Thanks,
Bob

This is a little photo guide i prepared illustrating the important views of an A4, markings and details. The more pics the better!:)

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That's exactly what I needed. I hope to get photo's tomorrow, timing could have not been better!

Thanks,

Bob