M1903A4 - Authenticity Check

[garand123]

Hi Gents,

The rifle pictured below has recently been offered to me, but I am not overly familiar with the finer details relating to these snipers, so I'm hoping to get everyone's input on the authenticity of this piece.

The rifle's serial number is: 3,422,193. As displayed by the pictures, the stock on this rifle is an example of the scant variant, manufactured by Keystone. So, my first question is whether or not the scant stock is correct for this serial range or if the rifle should be wearing the c-stock instead?

Beyond this, I'm wondering which variation of the M73B1 scope is correct for the serial range? Type I, Type IIA, Type IIB, Type III etc?

Any and all input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris
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Information

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[Roy]

The main things to look for on the A4 for authenticity are serial number offset, correctly scalloped bolt and bolt cutout. The parkerising where the front sight base would have been is a good sign. The Redfield scope base should be parkerised and have squared edges and the rings should be parkerised too.

The other questions are for more expert folks


Looks good from here.

[Randy A]

With A4s the photo shoot needs to be pretty specific for accurate evaluation, I think there were several threads or a sticky on it. Anyhow, from what I can see it looks good to go and does not appear to have been through rebuild (unless there is another arsenal mark somewhere). What I can see of the finishes support this. Your serial number indicates Oct of 43 so by that time a Keystone scant is no surprise. The barrel (most likely original) could be either a 2 or 4 groove, both are correct but I would expect it to be a 2 groove.
I'm not sure on the scope, but would guess type II. The deal with those is they were a crappy scope and had issues, prone to moisture and fungus etc. IMHO any of the series would be correct even if the rifle hadn't been rebuilt. The scopes were repaired replaced enough that most folks don't get too concerned with what type it is, they're all correct, so I've never paid that much attention to serial range/ type (not a lot of help there).

[JGaynor]

1. Keystone was an OEM stock supplier to Remington as well as supplying replacement stocks to the Ordnance department.

2. Most likely the rifle would have been issued with a late model M73B1 scope having resettable zero scales on the w/e knobs (type 2b).

3. The s/n is in the A4 range.

4. Markings appear to be correct.

Good to go as is.

Regards,

Jim