1903a4

[BenS]

just asking the experts.
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Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[JGaynor]

It would help the evaluation if you could describe or post pics of:
-Any barrel markings (behind front sight)
-the number of grooves in the barrel and the barrels internal condition (visual)
-Any barrel markings on the under side of the barrel (just the exposed part - first 4 inches)
-Any stamps or traces of stamps left side of stock just aft of the trigger
-Any sub-inspector stamps underside of stock just ahead of magazine assy.
-Any marks in the magazine cutoff notch.

Based on the markings, stock, the finish and some of the parts it is evident the rifle was rebuilt after the war.
On the plus side it is one of the first 1000 A4's made.
I would hold off on re-finishing it or any aggressive cleaning efforts for now. It it is what it is. You might be able to slightly improve the appearance but you could definitely make it worse.

Regards,
Jim

[Mike D]

Looks more like surface rust instead of pitting. Some light cleaning with #0000 steel wool and WD40 could help alot of that. Maybe $2,000-2,500 in that condition, maybe.

With more info Jim can definitely narrow it down.

[BenS]

barrel markings- ra flaming bomb 3-44, 2 groove. there is some minor pitting in the barrel. a "p" stamp on the underside of the barrel. i dont see any stamps on the left side of the stock. there are maybe 5 stamps in front of the magazine. i see a "1" and a "z" and an "x" in the magazine cutoff notch.

[JGaynor]

Thanks for the reply sorry it took so long to respond.
When the rifle was rebuilt the rebuild included:
-a new barrel
-a recycled A4 scant stock
-a complete refinish
-some miscellaneous small parts(Smith Corona Bolt Sleeve)

A large percentage of A4's that still exist have been rebuilt to some extent. If it were mine I would limit restoration efforts. Maybe change the bolt sleeve to a Remington (parkerized)

I agree with the valuation of $2000. to $2500. If you can find a a GI Scope and rings (M73B1 or M84) so much the better.

Regards,

Jim