M1903A4 original finish?

[Promo]

Took the chance and purchased my now fourth M1903A4 on Monday since it was offered for an incredible price of € 1200 (roughly $ 1560).

Was wondering if the finish on the rifle was original, or not. Magazine guard, bolt and magazine cutoff are blued while the rest is parkerized. Barrel date is 3-44 what AFAIK would not be correct for the S/N range the rifle is in. Could this be that this had been changed in the arsenal, since the stock bears an arsenal cartouche?

Secondly, the rifle is equipped with a Weaver M73B1 marked scope. It's the first time I've seen this scope with a six digit S/N already factory engraved and not electropenciled as usual. When did they change this?

ATB,

Georg

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[JGaynor]

Georg,
Looks like a very nice one! The finishes appear correct to meI agree that the barrel is a replacement I suspect that the stock was replaced as well since it only has a single proof mark on the grip.
The serial number on the scope is the electro-penciled number on on the scope data plate (#32XXX). The other numbers you have observed in the 7,XXX,XXX range are drawing numbers. The late model M73B1 has three of them, one for the scope, one for the data plate and one for the tube. Drawing numbers served as the kernel for replacement part numbers in the ordnance supply system.

Again nice find and a great price.

Regsrds,
Jim

[Capt Mil Coll]

Certainly looks like the original finish to me. Got a nice rifle there.

[Promo]

Jim,

Thanks for your opinion on my rifle. Doesn't matter that the barrel has been replaced, over all it's still a beauty and at least everything else is original . Thanks for the hint upon the M73B1 scope, checked my other two M73B1 and they both had each different designations and places for the S/N. Will need to look up the Weaver 330C I have around .

Capt, also appreciate your comment upon my rifle. I definately love the M1903A4 rifles