Remington A303-04 SRS check please

[Tdarmo]

HI
Local gun shop called me and said he has a Remington a303 (a304) for sale. He says all original. Before I look at it I would like to know if it checks out. serial number -3425493

[m1903rifle]

Yes..............that receiver was originally a 1903A4. Please post pictures for a better assessment.

[jgaynor]

The serial number is definitely within the range assigned to Remington for the production of M1903A4 snipers rifles. I don't see it in a list of A4's drawn from SRS but that list is not complete.

[Tdarmo]

I went and looked at the gun today. Everything looked good. I will start doing my research to see how correct the parts are. Let me know what you guys think. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=405159731

[Tdarmo]

I also noticed the safety interfered with the scope. That didn't seem right. Cut out for the bolt was right. Stock was sanded at some point. Only stock stamp is a none circled P stamp that is new since it was sanded. Other stampings are two far gone to tell what they were.

[jgaynor]

The safety is supposed to bump into the scope tube when using an M73B1 (Weaver 330C).

The scope markings, I am sorry to say, appear to be phony. Right off the bat deduct $1500.

You really need better pictures or a close inspection. The stock inspection markings are indistinct or perhaps gone that is possible a major flaw.

Relatively minot item is teh butt plate it looks smooth to me.

Wish i had better news but that price is very high for what i see.

Jim

[Tdarmo]

Hi
Thats what I thought. Butt plate is serrated hard to see in the crappy pictures. Stock cartouches were sanded off crudely. P stamp was applied after it was belt sanded. I told the shop owner I might be interested but the price was out of sight. Unless it was an original. I know I have plenty of time to do more research, Are there any other obvious things you see.

[jgaynor]

You will want to inspect the barrel date which is stamped just behind the front sight. A rifle with that serail number should have a barrel with a Dec 43 or Jan 44 original barrel. While you are at it turn the rifle upside down. On the bottom of the barrel there should be a "P" proof mark and a punch mark. The punch mark should be roughly centered in the area where the front sight would have been installed on an A3.

Jim

[Tdarmo]

Barrel is 1-44 If I remember it had a punch mark in the middle of the grenade stamp by the date. I would have to go back and check. Next time I'll bring my camera.

Tony

[Weasel]

Just a quick look but I would say about 2 g's too high.

[jgaynor]

tony the punch mark referred to would be on the bottom of the barrel under the parkerizing. Easy to miss or mistake for a random "ding".