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.

[Chuckindenver]

nice rifle. worth reparking.

[johnnyvellum]

Something I've considered. Know anyone who could do it?

[browningautorifle]

Nice looking piece...

[mrclark303]

Very nice, my favourite rifle is an A3/ A4 build in the same trim with an Alaskan and C stock.

Lovely rifle to shoot ...

[gigi79]

Very nice. The scope must be a Weaver 330C or M73B1 for WW2.

[oldfoneguy]

Very nice. The scope must be a Weaver 330C or M73B1 for WW2.

The scope is a Lyman Alaskan. A 2 1/2x scope with a 7/8ths inch tube. Initially I thought it was a very early Weaver K model which came out in 48 until I read Lyman Alaskan stamped on it. The K is a 1" tube, the 330/M73B1/29S is a 3/4" tube and looks significantly different.

[1903Collector]

Why re-park it? Would that not lesson the authenticity? I didnt notice an issue with the finish!?!?

[1903Collector]

All in all, a VERY nice example almost entirely USGI and looks indeed 100% correct.

The scope is the original/commercial version of the M82 USGI scope, but from the SN Id say it was manufactured post war. The tube diameter is 7/8" if I recall correctly. Rings are correct.
The scope base looks correct as it has the bevel at the rear. The bolt (handle) looks authentic USGI. Many A4s seen today do not have the correct USGI version of either part.
This A4 is configured in one of the two the Korean War versions. As I recall, WWII A4s used only Weaver 330 types.

A nice stock with an Arsenal Rework cartouche (I would guess Augusta Arsenal, but Ive not seen "AOZ" before).

Your pics dont have the needed underside view, but the A4 used a Trigger Guard version, called by Poyer a "type 4 Remington 1903A4". They are the "winter" trigger guard, as yours is, but has a small support plate spot welded inside at the front tang and mount bolt hole. You can usually tell from external observation as there are typically three small dimples visible which are the witness marks from the spot welding. If not, and you want a type 4, I have many. They go for less than $100. There is one currently listed in Ebay. But Id be willing to bet yours is the correct type 4 with the support plate.

You should be proud of this rifle. Personally, I would NOT repark or in any other way alter the finish. It wouldnt hurt to fully clean all cosmoline (some visible in the bolt pic), and give it nice protective coat of Gibbs or a lite coat of gun oil, but frankly, it wiped clean from finger prints and any other potential oxidizing contaminant, it should store well in a nice dry safe.

Great pics, by the way!

---------- Post added at 10:31 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:30 AM ----------

Why, I may have missed it, but what is wrong with the current finish?

---------- Post added at 10:34 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:31 AM ----------

No, its a Lyman Alaskan as marked, the commercial version of the M82. Tube diameter is 7/8". Weaver 330 style scope bodies diameters are 3/4" and look completely different.

---------- Post added at 10:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:34 AM ----------

You do know that tour rifle is most certainly a shooter. It is practically begging you to take it out to exercise at the range if you havent already1 ;-)

[Claven2]

great looking rifle, there does seem to be a lot of shi8m stock under the front of the mount - did you need that to get it to zero?