Dad's unsporterized A4

[johnnyvellum]

Hi there,

This is my first post. I'll try not to make this too long-winded, just some of the backstory as I know it, and thought maybe some of you would be interested.

I am sharing pics of my Dad's 1903A4. He was a Korean War vet, purchased it from a close friend in the mid 60's, who got it from the NRA apparently. I found a hand written note by him (along with NRA vouchers for his Inland M1 Carbine, and Remington Rand 1911A1) in a safe deposit box when my Mom passed last year with "Model M1903A3, RA 9-43, SN, Redfield mount and Source: NRA" jotted down. It must have come to him sporterized, as it always resided in a very nice walnut stock (Fajen I think?) but that is something he would not have done himself, being a WWII history buff.

Thing is, we never shot it much. We would shoot the carbines and 1911 when I was a kid. He always just called it the sniper rifle, and I never knew what it was since it just looked like any other sport rifle to me. After finding that note I did a little research and decided he wouldn't mind if I got an appropriate military stock for her and brought her a bit closer to her military heritage. I'm never going to sell it, and my intent is not to deceive. I am into the historical aspect of these things more than anything. Besides, I think it looks beautiful as it was originally designed.

I used the generous knowledge offered for free (!!) by the members of this site to choose a (hopefully) correct stock and scope, and learn the history of these rifles. This was done on a budget, mind you. I did nothing to the action/barrel, etc, just some careful stock work to properly bed the action and cut the bolt groove.

Everything is stamped with an "R" as far as I can see. Please share your thoughts and opinions if you like, I appreciate all you guys do to preserve the history and knowledge of military firearms. This was pretty long winded after all. Oh well.