Mauser Chileno modelo 1895

[Calif-Steve]

Be careful about 03A4's. Easy to fake if you are a newbie. Serial number tells you wants going on. Need a picture or two to sort this one out.

[usabaker]

Take some photos, post them here, and let's all have a look!

I'll stop in the shop on Monday or Tuesday and take some pictures. He had a box full of 1903 Springfield parts I want to go through anyhow.

---------- Post added at 09:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:02 PM ----------

Be careful about 03A4's. Easy to fake if you are a newbie.

Yeah I've become wiser as I learn more. But I could not afford $3K + even if I wanted it.

[Rye]

Searched for Chileno and found this thread on 03s. Not to worry, here is what I found at a gun show. Weak crest, different numbers everywhere, but it doesn't swallow a field gauge and the bore looks pretty good. It even came with a rotten leather sling.

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[daveboy]

Patrick, inconsistency in finish/wear is usually a good indicator of something not being what it is presented as. However, one exception might be the scopes on the Remington 03-A4. Remember, these scopes were on quick-release mounts. So, although I am certain that a particular scope stayed paired with a certain rifle for a time, they were always getting replaced and swapped during repairs, reassignments, etc.. I know that when the DCM sold A4s many years ago, they were sold with the mounts, but sans scope because as I understand it the Army held onto the scopes for several more years. My point being, on 03-A4 rifles, I would not be surprised to see wear/finish inconsistency between scope and rifle. But, one sure-fire way to spot a fake A4 is where the serial # is. If you can read the entire serial number with the scope mount installed, then you have an A4. If part of the number is covered by the scope mount, then you have a fake.