1903A4 Scope Choice

[concretus]

Hello,
I just came into a 1903a4 reproduction this past weekend. Remington 5/43 manufacture, correct scope base and horizontal rings, w/ an original Lyman Alaskan scope. I have an opportunity to get a rebuilt M84. The M84 was basically for the M1D, correct? We’re Springfields ever equipped with that scope as a standard or replacement? Is one preferred or of better quality than the other? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for looking....

Information

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[suikoden2003]

The M82/M84 scopes were used as replacements if the standard M73B1 were exhausted during postwar rebuilds.

[Brian Dick]

Weaver 330, M73B1, Lyman Alaskan, M82 and M84 are all correct on the 1903A4.

The Alaskan is a much superior scope to the Weaver. I prefer it over the M84 too. I have one with M73B1 and one with an M82 which is my favorite to shoot.

[cplstevennorton]

You know I like the Alaskan way more than the M84. Honestly I like the M73B1 (330) over the M84. lol The M84 is my least favorite military scope.

[Neal Myers]

Problem with the M84 scope, is that you need 7/8" two piece rings. And, they are difficult to find at any price.

[amadeus76]

Problem with the M84 scope, is that you need 7/8" two piece rings. And, they are difficult to find at any price.

Leupold makes suitable rings.

[Randy A]

Sounds like the OP has the right rings, if I'm reading his post right.

[JGaynor]

Hello,
I just came into a 1903a4 reproduction this past weekend. Remington 5/43 manufacture, correct scope base and horizontal rings, w/ an original Lyman Alaskan scope. I have an opportunity to get a rebuilt M84. The M84 was basically for the M1D, correct? We’re Springfields ever equipped with that scope as a standard or replacement? Is one preferred or of better quality than the other? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for looking....

The main reason the M84 scope was introduced was so that US snipers would have a scope that was more resistant to moisture than either the Weaver or Lyman predecessors. The M84 was designed by Ordnance and subsequently manufactured by Libby Owens Ford, Leupold and R. Rendell.

When ordnance prepared the written specifications for the M1903A4 it is clear they preferred the Lyman Alaskan Scope. Unfortunately for the sniping effort the Weaver was the scope that was available at the time so the M73B1 became the defacto standard.

However, as has been mentioned any of scopes mentioned are acceptable on an A4.