Hello guys, I have recently acquired this 1903A3. Need help knowing more about this rifle.
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Hello guys, I have recently acquired this 1903A3. Need help knowing more about this rifle.
It’s a reproduction of a 1903A4 built off a 1903A3.
I’d need to see more pics of the scope to know more about it.
Even these repros bring $1,000 to $1,200.
Will upload the scope pictures shortly. This is what the seller told me " This 03-A3 is in a Springfield stock in excellent condition. There are stamps on bottom of forend, stock and flaming ordnance "RA" on barrel. Gun has an excellent bore. Complete with leather sling and Weaver Model 330 Tube Scope "
You have a very nice replica sniper rifle that someone built up on an M'03-A3. The scope appears to be a replica. The markings in the stock are also replicas and are not authentic. You should be all set for the sniper rifle matches.
J.B.
Is there a reason for the scope to be rotated 90 degrees to the left?
I don't see the "Gibbs" marking on the scope which would designate it as aftermarket. They are plainly marked.
The Gibbs rifles came with a "CMP" stock.
Ed
The scope looks like a Weaver 330 commercial and someone etched something on the right side. Can you take a picture of the name plate on the scope and right side.
But as JB and others stated it is a replica A4 made from an A3
Good looking rifle. As others said, it is a standard 03A3 which someone turned into a replica sniper. The 03A4 was the sniper version, and it was not much more than an A3, changed the way yours is. But, they are worth more, because they are...original snipers. The quickest and surest way to spot the real deal is that even though it is stamped as an 03A3, the model # and serial # are visible, with the scope mount attached. They moved the location of those stamps so they could be seen with the scope mounted. You will notice in yours that you cannot see the serial #. The Weaver 330 was slightly modified to make up the scope for the military sniper, primarily by putting thumb-adjustable windage/elevation adjusmtent knobs. The civilian versions required a screwdriver to make the adjustments. There is some speculation that some unmodified 330s were purchased due to wartime needs, but that is hotly debated. Looks like yours is a very nicely done replica.
In these photos, of my A4, you might see what I am referring to. This is a Weaver 330 scope, the civilian version that was modified for the military. Notice the nomenclature on the side of the receiver ring, instead of being directly on top, under the scope mount. Also, you might notice a slight difference in the shape of the A4 bolt knob as it is rare that anyone bends and grinds an A3 bolt to match this shape perfectly