Followup on 1903A4 questions with photos

[RBruce]

I recently purchased a 1903A4 (markings are in the correct location). The SN range is 3409172. The barrel is RA 12-43, two-grooved. Both receiver and barrel are the common gray/green pakerizing. It has not been reparked (IMHO). All marked parts are marked R. The stock has the correct markings forward of the trigger guard. It came in a CMP box, but with no paperwork. Questions:
1. What shade of parkerizing should the bolt have? bolt shroud? striker rod?
2. What shade of parkerizing should the buttplate have?
3. What shade of parkerizing should the bands have?
4. Is the barrel correct for the SN?
5. What type of 7/8" rings were used with the Lyman Alaskan (top split or two piece)? And, when were the two types of 7/8" rings used?
6. What value range would this piece fall in (wood and metal, including bore, are excellent)?
This is a lot of information to be asking for, and I do apprecieate any comments that can be provided. --RBruce

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[RBruce]

Please ignore the 1 inch rings and electrical tape on the Lyman scope. My 7/8 inch rings were at the gunsmith being installed on a 1903A4 clone. They'll be moving here shortly.

[RBruce]

Did the Lyman Alaskan with medium a crosshair reticle preceed the post reticle? Which would be more correct for a post WWII or Korean War 1903A4? --TIA

[mark1]

Great looking rifle. The rings are not correct. I believe you have Burris rings on the rifle. Is there a serial number on the scope?

[RBruce]

As I mentioned, ignore the rings. I just had them there to show the scope. Yes, the serial number on the scope is 26476.

[JGaynor]

RBruce thanks for posting the pictures.

The M73 version of the Lyman Alaskan was standardized in 1943 with a fine crosswire reticle similar to that of the M73B1 (Weaver 330). At least their are engineering shop drawings that date from Sept 43.

The post reticle was introduced with the M82 scope in early 1945. As mentioned before the M81(crosswire) and M82(post) incorporated a sliding sunshade on the objective lens and a rubber eyeshield.


The following picture is from an Oct 1943 Tech manual and illustrates, in the lower picture, an M73 mounted in the top split rings. (NB: The original caption writer made a mistake in the nomenclature - The upper picture shows the Weaver 330C (M73B1) and the lower should have been labeled M73).




The stock appears to have traces of the factory inspection stamps(RA and Boxed FJA) which is good.

Is there a letter stamped in the cutoff notch ?

Regards,

Jim

[RBruce]

Yes, there is an S in the cutoff notch.

[Chuckindenver]

if the rifle was indeed sold by the CMP and not he DCM,
they will give you paperwork at no charge..
they have no DCM records that i know of.

[JGaynor]

Yes, there is an S in the cutoff notch.

The "S" indicates Springfield Arsenal manufacture. The stock is of the correct type for a rifle in that s/n range.

Regards,

Jim

[rotorwing70]

I recently purchased a 1903A4 (markings are in the correct location). The SN range is 3409172. The barrel is RA 12-43, two-grooved. Both receiver and barrel are the common gray/green pakerizing. It has not been reparked (IMHO). All marked parts are marked R. The stock has the correct markings forward of the trigger guard. It came in a CMP box, but with no paperwork. Questions:
1. What shade of parkerizing should the bolt have? bolt shroud? striker rod?
2. What shade of parkerizing should the buttplate have?
3. What shade of parkerizing should the bands have?
4. Is the barrel correct for the SN?
5. What type of 7/8" rings were used with the Lyman Alaskan (top split or two piece)? And, when were the two types of 7/8" rings used?
6. What value range would this piece fall in (wood and metal, including bore, are excellent)?
This is a lot of information to be asking for, and I do apprecieate any comments that can be provided. --RBruce

Answers - Relative to original finish.

1. All normally blued.
2. Normally blued.
3. All normally blued.
4. I would estimate 3-43 barrel.
5. For a post-war rebuild I would rather see a late type M73B1 or an M84.
6. I don't estimate values, What I have to sell is always worth nothing and what I want to buy is always worth more.

Other comments:

The barrel and receiver have been reparked. The stock is an original A4 stock but has been reworked. The markings would indicate the stock went through Augusta for a rebuild and it is most likely the rifle did to. Nice rifle and typical of those sold by DCM.