Need help. whats the value of this 1903 sniper?

[rcathey]

For the OP - I would suggest a valuation of not more than $600.00 US for a badly done M1903A3.

I once read a definition of "sporterizing" that went something like, "taking a $300 rifle and spending $200 to make it a $100 rifle."

It would take a lot more than $200 to turn a $750 A3 into the $600 rifle we see here. Personally, I'd buy this rifle at $600 all day long -- maybe try to haggle down to 500.

Yeah, it's not "right" but right in this case is way out of my budget. I wouldn't mind having one of these fakeys as a shooter and placeholder in the collection. Not a bit.

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[cplstevennorton]

I do have Marine docs of them buying the Weaver 440 for the 1940 Sniper trials. I wish i had the same for the A4. It would be nice! But there are still so many more sniper docs at the archives to go though. Hard to know what is in there.

I do have some neat docs on them really considering doing a thumb screw for the scope mount. So the scope could be taken off with your fingers.

The reason being a lot of the field reports were begging for the ability to take off the scope as they were prone to breaking and they really wanted some type of iron sights as backup.

Then even explored creating a field case for the Weaver scopes to be stored in. Sort of like the WW1 era snipers.

[JGaynor]

I do have Marine docs of them buying the Weaver 440 for the 1940 Sniper trials. I wish i had the same for the A4. It would be nice! But there are still so many more sniper docs at the archives to go though. Hard to know what is in there.

I do have some neat docs on them really considering doing a thumb screw for the scope mount. So the scope could be taken off with your fingers.

The reason being a lot of the field reports were begging for the ability to take off the scope as they were prone to breaking and they really wanted some type of iron sights as backup.

Then even explored creating a field case for the Weaver scopes to be stored in. Sort of like the WW1 era snipers.

Steve, this may have been the basis for the French made M73B2 scope which incorporated a modified Redfield Jr base having a thumbscrew adjustment/retention nuts. From photos of known examples and the little bit that has been published it would appear that about 500 units were made near Paris. The numbering sequence appears to fall in line with the numbers used for the M73B1.

regards,

Jim

[cplstevennorton]

Steve, this may have been the basis for the French made M73B2 scope which incorporated a modified Redfield Jr base having a thumbscrew adjustment/retention nuts. From photos of known examples and the little bit that has been published it would appear that about 500 units were made near Paris. The numbering sequence appears to fall in line with the numbers used for the M73B1.

regards,

Jim

That would make perfect sense Jim. I think I even have docs that say they field trialed them with that thumb screw. So that seems to fit in exactly with what you said.

It's been a while since I read that series. If I get some time this weekend I will go back and read it and report back. You piqued my interest.

I'm always very impressed with your knowledge of the A4 and the huge amount of study you have put into it.

[daveboy]

Attachment 91828 My A4/330C combo.