03A4 serial#?

[Tarheeler]

Looking at a 03A4 that looks to be the real deal, now question is, with a serial # of 4994xxx, is a 12-43 dated barrel correct. What else should I be looking for to be sure. Thanks

Information

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[Rick the Librarian]

The serial range was the last batch manufactured and the barrel could be original. One thing to look at is the area around where the front sight would have gone. On a fake or "reproduction", the metal is bare and not finished. A legitimate 03A4 barrel would be the same finish for the whole barrel, the area around the front sight included.

[JGaynor]

Scroll to the middle of the Remington Society page. Click on the links in RED.

The Remington Society of America (Remington 03, 03A3, 03-A4 Serial Numbers)

The notes at the end are most useful.
Regards.
Jim

[Chuckindenver]

look for a prick or small punch mark on the bottom side of the barrel were the front sight would have been..no punch mark...not a A4 barrel

[JGaynor]

The preponderance of 2nd order/3rd block A4's will have two groove barrels and scant stocks. Origninally they would have been equipped with M73B1 telescopic sights most likely the variation with stamped nomenclature, The Weaver name and addrress and the resettaabke zero scales on the w&e knobs.

Also look for factory inspection and ordnance acceptance stamps on the left side of the stock just above and behind the trigger (RA, Ordnance Escutcheon, FJA) a "P" proof mark in a 7/16" circular surround on the stock grip or wrist, at least five sub-inspectors marks on the bottom of the stock forward of the magazine box assembly and a Maker's mark in the cutoff notch (most often an upside down "K").

[Tarheeler]

Thanks guys, rifle has c stock on it, with no inspection codes on it, but had upside down K in cut off. Have not had my hands on it yet. Thanks for the input, will get back if and when I look at it

[Tarheeler]

Checked back and it does indeed have a scant stock on it, correct mount, rings, and bolt, but has been reparked. He's asking 3600.00- Price range

[Neal Myers]

The upside down K would be correct for a USGI replacement stock. It sounds like an arsenal rebuilt rifle, but the majority of A4's have been rebuilt, so that is not a bad thing.



BUT, if it was installed at US arsenal, it should also have an arsenal stamp & proof P on the grip.



I think the price is in the middle of the current price range. If it has a correct 330C, M73B1, M8, or M84, AND the correct USGI mount & rings, it is a good buy. If not, it's probably about $600 too high.



If you aren't sure what you are looking at, you want to post photos for us.

Neal

[JGaynor]

Keystone manufactured scant stocks were used on original A4's as well as being supplied as replacement parts. The practice appears to have started late in first order (fall 43). As Neal points out however, you would expect a factory original to have at least traces of the of the acceptance and inspection stamps as well as a proof mark.

As far as the scopes go commercial Weavers, either the 330C or the 330 Scope - M.8 would be most correct on a very early first block rifle. Fairly early on Weaver began supplementing the marks on newly manufactured 330C's with electro-penciled nomenclature and serial number on the side of the tube. Later still the nomenclature was stamped on the M73B1 data plate and the words "SERIAL NO." were roll stamped on the tube.

In the mid 50's Ordnance authorized the use of any remaining GI M73 (Lyman Alaskan), M81 and M82 scopes if the approved primary scope (M73B1) or Alternate (M84) were unavailable.

Regards,
Jim

[Tarheeler]

Anyone know the thickness of brass shims under sight base on these rifles. Going to need enough elevation to do 300-600 yds