In the Marine Ordnance landfills and buried in the mud of Franceicon. I am not trying to be funny either. You are searching for the rarest of all 1903's, and I can assure you that about 99+% of all those you find for sale are less than authenticate. To find one in original condition would be remarkable indeed, and very expensive if the seller knows what he possesses. I have many pictures of WWI USMC A5 sniper rifles in some of the finest collections, including a few in Europe (I cannot publish them per my agreement with the owners). If you know exactly what to look for as to identifying marks, etc., it is still a daunting endeavor. You are most likely to find one by accident than on purpose. I can count the real ones I have seen on one hand. Fakes abound. I have never seen a real one for sale.

Bear in mind two things: 1. Darned few of them were ever made, and 2. the ones that were made were assembled 90 years ago and many, if not most, were used in the most intense combat situations imaginable (read attrition).

I suggest you research the rifles as much as you can to avoid being taken by some sharp guy with a limited knowledge of the rifles, but possessing a drill, bits, and a tap (the tap is most interesting indeed).

Would you mind sending me some pictures of your scope, particularly the bases?

I wish you nothing but good luck. Please keep me posted.

Jim