restoring an 03A4

[Calfed]

I recently got this sporterized 03A3 at an on-line estate sale. It looked like a good possibility for a "clone" 03A4 project, and then I noticed something. It appeared to be a sporterized 03A4. I did some checking and found that the receiver had the "offset" lettering of an original 03A4 down near the gas escape hole and what looks like an original (or at least period correct) scope mount. It has been reblued, but the barrel looks like it is original GI. The scope and rings are obviously all wrong

The pictures are from the auction site and are pretty poor, but I will post better ones when the rifle actually arrives.

Information

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[louthepou]

Looking forward to the follow up

[Jim Tarleton]

Is that an A4 bolt? If so, that makes things easier. I have a Chinese A4 scant stock if you are interested in trading your surplus parts. It has "The People's Army" branded in Chinese on the outside of the buttstock. You might not want it though, as they repaired a small crack on the upper left forearm with brass and nails.

You lucked out. You already have the expensive parts except for the scope. The barrel shouldn't be too hard to find. What range is your serial number?

Jim

[Calfed]

Not sure about the bolt. I'm hoping that it is the original bolt and barrel.

There were no pictures of the other side of the receiver on the action site, but the item description has it as 3424885.

[Jim Tarleton]

FROM THE ANGLE OF THE PICTURE, IT APPEARS YOU MAY HAVE THE ORIGINAL A4 BOLT. POST SOME PICTURES OF IT AND I WILL TELL YOU FOR SURE.

Jim

[Calfed]

Wilco.

I expect it to arrive mid week. I'll get some pics up as soon as it does.

Apparently the deceased (it was an estate sale) loved to sporterize old military weapons. I also got a Winchester 1917 that looks like a more easily re-militarized project, since I already have a Winchester military stock.

[Calfed]

The rifles came today.

The good news: The barrel is GI and uncut. Bore is a 2 groove, mirror sharp and gauges a "0" on the CMP muzzle gauge


The bad news: date and manufacturer, as well as the punch mark, it there ever was one, has been buffed off.

The floor plate is milled and has a release button and hinge.


Hard to see, but the scope mount is marked "redfield"


receiver markings, including the serial number are visible at both sides of the scope mount



The bolt has been polished and there is a letter "R" with a punch mark next to it on the underside of the handle. Nort sure if this an original A4 bolt or not. No safety lever.

[BruceV]

I've been an idiot about other things. I might be an idiot now. But if that rifle was in my hands, I'd get busy putting assembling parts, etc., and then I'd restore it as a 03-A4. This is JMHO. Sincerely. Bruce.

[Chuckindenver]

well,
heres some options. replace the barrel, since its a replacement anyway your not loosing anything.
have the markings replaced on the barrel thats on the rifle,
youll need.
stock, handguard, stock hardwear, scope, rings, triggerguard. safety, have it refinished correctly, and youll have a nice rifle.

[Calfed]

Thanks, Chuck.

Is a 03A4 bolt?