New Gibbs M1903A4 Owner

Greetings all,

I recently purchased a Gibbs M1903A4 rifle. I know it is not original, but I have wanted an '03A4 since I was about 10 years old. My question is what all do I need to do to it to take proper care of it. I am a 14 year disabled Army veteran, so I know basic care. However, I "grew up" firing M4s along with automatic weapons, so bolt actions are new to me. I have already taken her to the range a few times and zeroed her out to 200 yards. I want to get a cheek rest for her and a recoil pad also (firing 50+ rounds gets a little tiring now). Any good suggestions? Also, IF I were to decide on upgrading the scope, what would you guys suggest without having to change out all the mounts and disassembling the stock from the barrel? Thanks in advance for all the info; be prepared for a lot more stupid questions from me.

Welcome to the forum, don't worry about the questions. That's why we're here. We'd love to see pics of this one, that would also help us to help you make an informed call on things...

Welcome to milsurps, if ever you wanted a place to ask questions then this is the site that is very well run to say it mildly you will find here allot of the forumers are ex military with a good sprinkling of them armourers or have had a lifetime of repairing them and own their own business. You will also find they no B/S answers direct and to the point, if they do not know they will get back to you with the correct answer.

In life there is no stupid question, only a stupid answer...................

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Originally Posted by TrplDeuce

Greetings all,

I recently purchased a Gibbs M1903A4 rifle. I know it is not original, but I have wanted an '03A4 since I was about 10 years old. My question is what all do I need to do to it to take proper care of it. I am a 14 year disabled Army veteran, so I know basic care. However, I "grew up" firing M4s along with automatic weapons, so bolt actions are new to me. I have already taken her to the range a few times and zeroed her out to 200 yards. I want to get a cheek rest for her and a recoil pad also (firing 50+ rounds gets a little tiring now). Any good suggestions? Also, IF I were to decide on upgrading the scope, what would you guys suggest without having to change out all the mounts and disassembling the stock from the barrel? Thanks in advance for all the info; be prepared for a lot more stupid questions from me.

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Lace-on cfeekpads and recoil pads are available from shooting suppliers. Use one of these as a permanent pad will require alteration of the stock which is a job for a gunsmith.

Since the rifles use a reproduction of the original Refiled Jr. Mount there are a number of choices for the scope. You will need to buy a set of one inch diameter Redfield Jr. Mounting rings. For a scope i would recommend a model which has an objective lens about the same size as the main tube. An overly large objective lens may require modification of the barrel guard or the use of high rings, neither of which is very desirable.
On my A4 i have used a Leopold VariX III 1to5X. Cosmetically it resembles a Lyman Alaskan. Good luck :)

Still love to see pics of this one...

I also have a Gibbs A4.
I removed the "original" scope. Bought a Redfield mount (Brownells) and installed a Weaver K2.5 scope (Ebay). What a difference between the scopes! The Weaver is much easier on the eye, the turrets more positive.
I load 155 Sierra MK's, which produce fantastic groups.
One thing to watch for is the front receiver lug. Make sure the relief in the stock is cut deep enough. If it isn't, the receiver and lug sit to high, and the lug will break the stock by not having full vertical contact.
They are a hoot to shoot, enjoy it!
Ed

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Originally Posted by browningautorifle

Still love to see pics of this one...

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Will be taking pictures today when I clean her, give me a few.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...l5vambtd-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...f4fgkq2w-1.jpg

I wouldn't do anything to it. I think it'll be great to shoot as is, maybe change for another issue optic...and a military sling, That one looks like an Uncle Mikes.

The leather cheek pads were intended to help with the offset scope of the Garand and are not needed with the a4. I have two of these, and I do enjoy them. One with the 7 series and one with the 82 scope. I find changing the optic only useful for competition, other wise enjoy as is.

I want to get a cheek rest as my cheek hovers over the buttstock instead of resting on it. Also, I do need a recoil pad as after firing 50+ rounds it starts to hurt. I am not looking to remove anything, I want slip-on stuff. Any suggestions?

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Originally Posted by TrplDeuce

I want slip-on stuff

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Those are available at most sports shops, they're gum rubber and add about 1.5" to LOP. Try this link for a lace on cheek rest... Classic Lace-On Rifle Cheek Rest [90CP00BK] - $20.95 : US Armorment, The Art Accessories Presently shown sold out, it will give you a foothold at least.

I have one of these but mine is a Rock Ridge. I don't know if there is much of a difference. The repro scope on it has a Gibbs branded "data plate" from Hilux/Leatherwood.

Go to any Wal-mart it's called a limb saver and goes for 20 bucks. It does add an inch to the buttstock.

Nothing wrong with the repro optic these come with. I've seen one of these Gibbs shoot sub moa with a basic hand load and repro scope. Quite impressive rifles imo, shouldn't be allowed in any competition with issued rifles. I stopped entering my club run shoots because paying to get my arse handed to me isn't on my to do list.

For the recoil you could try one of the rubber USGI style 'boots' with a bit of padding under it, repros are available online. They were originally for grenade launching rifles to prevent stock damage when braced against the ground. But with a bit of neoprene or similar underneath it'd save wear on the shoulder and keep the GI look.

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Originally Posted by Roy

you could try one of the rubber USGI style 'boots' with a bit of padding under it, repros are available online.

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They aren't very adaptable for that.

Was just a thought.

Well, went to Bass Pro and bought a rubber boot for her. Hoping to go to the range this week and give her a shot...no pun intended.