Where is the scoipe supposed to be mounted on a M1903a4?

[amadeus76]

I'm trying to figure out if there is a 'correct' way to mount the scope on my 1903a4. With the scope turrets mounted behind the forward ring...



Or with the turrets mounted in front of the forward ring...

Information

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[Sunray]

They go wherever they need to for the shooter to have the correct eye relief. There are pictures of '03A4's with the turret in front and between the rings. The Weaver 330 scopes that were actually used had the turret behind the rear ring. The Lyman scope never made it to be issued.

[rcathey]

They go wherever they need to for the shooter to have the correct eye relief.

Bingo. My guns with peep sights are actually a bit tricky for me to shoot. I’m a big guy and choke up on my guns so the “ghost ring” I get from those guns it absolutely huge. Wish I could adjust those down.

[Randy A]

Original photos taken during development of A4s with the M73 (Lyman Alaskan) scope which was the original intended scope, has the adjustments ahead of the front ring. Proof of this is also why the tail end of all GI bases had to be stepped and beveled to accommodate the ocular bell and lock ring. That being said, some shooters physical build simply do not work well with that setup. I for one find this forward setting almost impossible to use with various positions and maintaining shot consistency, even in prone. You also might not be able to forward mount your anyway, looks like the base will not allow it without some machining or taller rings.

On another note in regards to another comment, the Weaver 330/m73B1 started as a temporary substitute due to Bausch and Lomb's inability to provide glass for Lyman. So... an M73, M81 or m82 is in no way incorrect for the A4. By the end of WWII they were being installed on A4s in replacement situations.

Just curious about the second photo, are you able to operate the bolt on that rifle with the eye cup on the scope? With my setup (yes , I know they weren't intended for use on the A4) there is not enough clearance for the bolt handle to pass with the eye cup on.

[amadeus76]

Just curious about the second photo, are you able to operate the bolt on that rifle with the eye cup on the scope? With my setup (yes , I know they weren't intended for use on the A4) there is not enough clearance for the bolt handle to pass with the eye cup on.

Both photos are just examples I found on the internet... My scope is setup like the 2nd pic but I don't have an eye cup on it, so I can't answer your question.

[Chuckindenver]

keep this in mind.
if you plan on shooting your replica in the matches.
the safety will have to swing all the way over, or it wont pass inspection, i would mount the scope were its easy to locate with your eye when you address the rifle.

[daveboy]

chuck, that is interesting. I am shooting my A4 with a Weaver 330 (although the civilian version). There is no way to swing the safety all the way over with that scope on there. It will engage and work all day, but still won't go all the way over. I have been told that was normal. Is that incorrect? I don't shoot competition anyway, but just curious about that.

[dcbrown]

According to the official war time manual, that is correct safety operation.

[Chuckindenver]

normal yes, same with the original A4s..however, for vintage sniper class, the safety must swing all the way over under the scope.
depending on were you shoot this may or maynot be an issue, iv started using high rings so that it will pass no matter what.

[Neal Myers]

With any scope other than the 330 series, trial mounting would be a lot easier if you have 2-piece rings.

Neal