WWI USMC Telescopic Rifle Model of 1917 (1903 Springfield rifle) information

[ssgross]

it was sold a few times after, and i saw it being sold again on GB as an original example. i emailed the seller, with no response

Sad. Often the poor soul selling it is just trying to break even after being duped themselves. Doesn't make it right when they knowingly make a false statement, but the frustration at least is understandable.

[1903Collector]

please ignore, posted on wrong discussion string somehow.

[1903Collector]

Got it, THANKS!

[1903Collector]

WOW! Great reply and info. I am still a bit concerned though, so I need to study and perhaps ask more questions (demonstrating either my ignorance, misconceptions, or blind trust in the reference books I use).

First, thanks for wading thru my, perhaps less than clear, original post. It may have been too much. Your reply had me re-read the chapters in each of my reference books and many questions were answered, or at least seem clearer. Harrison, it seems, may have invented the reference of the WWI A5 scoped rifle as "model of 1917). There are also some inconsistencies between Canfield and Brophy, and scant information in Poyer's and Harrison's work. Some of the info (specifically as found in Brophy) seemed to differ a bit with your reply, but you steered me towards a much better path...even if I the better info was different from my initial "understandings".

After re-reading Brophy and Canfield I now understand what you meant by "The Mann-Niedner used tapered blocks that have an internal plunger system..." Ive got the Mann-Neidner blocks, BUT, I have not determined of the scope bases are tapered. I dont think so because both front and back mount have thumb screws. BUT, they are not too dissimilar from the O&E blocks otherwise.

Ive got the grasshopper scope version and the rifle I hope to end up with should look like the 2nd to last pic you provided (the very clear color pic). Im still confused what scope bases were used for that scope? I begin to conclude that my scope is not a USMC modified version and that I will have to use O&E blocks.

Ive re-read my initial post and as I thought I recalled, I didnt make any mention of difference in scope markings. And yes, I am aware of the Lyman acquisition of the Win Optics division and change of the scope name to 5-A (not very imaginative, LOL!)

In any case, again, many thanks for your thoughtful reply.

One last observation, Ive read all the responses and am troubled to see conflicting opinions. However, I have read some replies on different topics here and there even I knew some were incorrect. Your replies, in my observations, have always seemed clear and factual. Could you tell me what your source(s) of information are. I have only the wonderful, and as we all know always accurate internet, and 1903 Collector's books by Harrison, Poyer, Brophy and Canfield. If there are other sources Id like to know and see what I can acquire.

Cheers, David

[Promo]

As you now have concluded, the Winchester A5 telescope was used in two different mounting systems. One was the original "Grasshopper Style" mount. This mount used plain dovetailed scopes with cuts to allow the thumb screws to lock. Neidner invented a new mounting system which were tapered. The bases were also enlarged, and the rear scope ring on the scope was replaced.


The result therefore is that neither the scope nor the bases of the two are interchangeable. If you have a rifle with Mann-Neidner bases you cannot replace the bases with ones for the "Winchester Grasshopper Mount", nor can you put a "Wichester Grasshopper Mount" scope on these bases. The very same goes to the opposite.


I'd kindly repeat my request for getting pictures of your rifle. Is there any chance you can upload them to this forum?

[1903Collector]

Jim has sent me the link to instruct how to attach pics. Dont know why I havent been able to figure it out until now. I hope to be posting pics soon.

[Promo]

At worst you can upload them elsewhere and post the link here.

[1903Collector]

My scope is NOT a USMC modified version and requires only std O & E blocks. I will try to find out why I never seem able to post pics. I see the "Insert Image" icon, but it has never worked for me!?!?! It opens a window for a URL of the image (http. I have never stored or created a URL of an image file. I am expecting the icon to simply open up a browser so I can select from my C-drive.
Jim has sent me a link to help me solve this. Hopefully it is "Inserting an image in Milsurp thread reply for Dummies"! ;-)

---------- Post added at 09:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:55 PM ----------

I cant even spell "URL"! ;-)
I am sure I am missing something basic.