Pictures where the sights on a 1903A3 would be, show no signs that this rifle ever had sights removed, which further proves its authenticity. This rifle has no sights (front or rear) which is also correct. The bolt is correctly marked R in both places. Only 29,964 1903-A4 sniper rifles were manufactured in Block 1.
This 1903-A4 rifle’s receiver is from the first manufacturing block, Block 1. According to the Joe Poyer book described later in this listing, these tightening screws are not present on all models of the authentic M73B1 scope. All of this is quite rare to find, so please compare this 1903A4 to others for sale using all of the correct details. This scope also has the correct elevation and windage knobs, including the screws for tightening these two settings when sighted in.
The M73B1 scope on this rifle is a Type 2, which is electro-penciled with the correct 5-digit serial number (NO-10117) for Type 2, and is marked “Telescope M73B1” on its data plate. Several pictures were taken at different angles to show the complete scope clarity. The scope’s reticle is totally clear with no spots, and with excellent cross hairs. Also, all of the scope’s windage and elevation knobs with markings, and, the scope’s reticle are in excellent condition.
I say this partly because the tube of the scope shows no rust or pitting. The authentic M73B1 scope is in very good to excellent condition. The sling alone on this rifle would sell for a few hundred dollars in this condition. It is difficult to find WW2 leather slings almost 80 years old in very good to excellent condition. The leather sling is in very good to excellent condition. This rifle also has a correct USGI leather sling, clearly marked MILSCO 1944. But this rifle and scope is all correct and authentic USGI military for WW2. And beware that some 1903-A4s are sold with either non-authentic, non-military scopes, or scopes thar are reproductions.
So therefore, please be certian of the authenticity of any 1903-A4 with a commercial Weaver scope. This rifle also does not have the commercial Weaver scope which is very often sold as “original.” Please beware that only a very few commercial Weaver scopes (approximately 300) were ever used on this 1903-A4 rifle by the US Military, and then only very early in WW2 while the government waited for the scopes marked M73B1 to be manufactured and mounted on the 1903-A4’s. The M84 scope was used in Korea and Vietnam, but not in WW2. This rifle does not have the M84 scope which is sometimes sold with this rifle but it is not correct for WW2. The US military M73B1 scope and Redfield mount are both correct for WW2 (August 1943 manufacture) for this 1903-A4 sniper rifle. It is officially stamped on the receiver as the “US Remington Model 03-A3.” It has the correct Type 1, seven-digit serial number starting with 342. It is not an arsenal rebuild nor was it rebuilt or refinished. This 1903A4 Sniper Rifle is an all original. You would be bidding on an all correct, vintage WW2 Remington 1903-A4 Sniper Rifle, caliber 30-06.