USMC M1903A1 Sniper

[Tom Jackson]

Promo:

Thank you. The blue finish used on the bolts of Marine snipers is very distinctive and the polishing marks are a key feature of an armory polished bolt. The barrel appears to be original and has no vice marks. The Star-Gauge Number is "C/1208". None of the screws are staked. The scope was on the rifle when I bought it but may not be original to the rifle. My understanding is that most of these rifles were sold by the Marines Corps to officers and NCOs in the 1950s without scopes. The rifle came with a standard micarta can. I purchased the aluminum can about 20 years ago; I have seen pictures of the aluminum cans but this is the only one I have ever handled. I am pretty sure it was never issued- the tape securing the sling to the can appears to be original.

---------- Post added at 11:41 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:36 AM ----------

Steve,

I don't have any history beyond that it and a Japanese Garand were purchased from a retired Marine colonel who lived in San Diego. Larry Reynolds is the expert on these rifles. He stated that some USMC M1903A1 sniper rifles were sold to Marine officers and NCOs in the 1950s by the Marine Corps. At least some of the rifles were sold without scopes. I suspect that the Marines retained all of the scopes since they were used on Model 70 snipers in Vietnam c. 1966.

---------- Post added at 11:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:41 AM ----------

No. I just put the Raider knife and K-Bar in the picture to add interest. The Raider knife doesn't show much wear - if it was issued it did not get used.