There were two scopes initially approved for the M1903A4, the Lyman Alaskan (later M73) and the Weaver 330C (later M73B1). Certain design features of the A4 leads on to believe that of the two scopes the Alaskan was probably the preferred set of optics. Unfortunately fate intervened and no M73 scopes would be delivered before A4 production at Remington terminated in mid 44.

When the Alaskan is mounted with the W&E turrets ahead of the front ring there is clearance to move the safety lever to the full on position.
Secondly, the rear of the Redfield Jr Scope scope base is beveled to provide clearance for the Alaskan's eypiece. The bevel serves no purpose when a Weaver scope is mounted.
Finally, both Weaver 330C and Alaskan were fairly long eye relief scopes, on the order of 3 to 5 inches. The location of the Weaver W&E adjustment plate prevented taking full advantage of the eye relief since the adjustment plate interfered with the back of the rear scope ring. In the case of the Lyman the scope could be mounted somewhat further forward providing better eye relief.

In the manual for the A4 (see the sticky section at the beginning of the springfield forum) there is a notation that when the Weaver 330C (M73B1) scope is used the safety should just be pushed up against the side of the tube. The army acknowledged that was as good as it was going to get.

Regards,
Jim
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