View Full Version : 03A4 CMP vintage sniper rifle.
I am starting another CMP vintage sniper rifle project, this time for my eldest son and wanted some advice. I'm trying to keep this as cheap as possible
Years ago I glommed a 03A4 that had been sporterized. This was fortuitous for my current project because although the rifle was very finely polished and blued, the metal appears to be uncut...so no need for a new barrel, bolt, or scope mount.
https://i.imgur.com/YJpy2B2.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/vHK6w2h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/uZvarzD.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/qrcKIug.jpg
Somewhere along the line I also got this scant stock...looking it over, it appears to have never been used. I can find no cartouches or stamps of any kind on it. It does have a small bolt cutout, however. Is it possible that this is a NOS actual 03A4 scant stock?
https://i.imgur.com/22dVZGf.jpg?2
https://i.imgur.com/OmxF28H.jpg?1
https://i.imgur.com/QbHRMuu.jpg?1
https://i.imgur.com/t1StkjF.jpg?1
I've got a Weaver K2.5 with a post and crosshair, so I'm covered on optics.
The barrel is full length, but has been polished so finely that there is no longer any stampings visible...
https://i.imgur.com/AdiL525.jpg
If I just assemble this rifle "as is" does anyone see any problems? Is the current finish and lack of barrel markings likely to be a problem?
Thanks.
Darreld Walton
09-03-2019, 10:34
The bolt cut in the scant stock appears legit to me, but I'm not an expert, just have seen a few originals. I've got that stock's twin ready to go on my own. If the metal finish bothers you, as it did mine, I sent it to Chuck in Denver, and was quite pleased with the results. Parts that were supposed to be parked were, as were the 'blue' parts. Even looks like you've got the right vintage Redfield base. Put it together, see how it shoots!
If I just assemble this rifle "as is" does anyone see any problems? Is the current finish and lack of barrel markings likely to be a problem?
Finish and lack of markings won't be a problem. You will have to install a safety in order to compete in CMP games. Stock does appear to be a replacement for an 03 A4.
The bolt cut in the scant stock appears legit to me, but I'm not an expert, just have seen a few originals. I've got that stock's twin ready to go on my own. If the metal finish bothers you, as it did mine, I sent it to Chuck in Denver, and was quite pleased with the results. Parts that were supposed to be parked were, as were the 'blue' parts. Even looks like you've got the right vintage Redfield base. Put it together, see how it shoots!
Thanks, Darreld.
I've been getting some encouragement to do a full on restoration.
- - - Updated - - -
Finish and lack of markings won't be a problem. You will have to install a safety in order to compete in CMP games. Stock does appear to be a replacement for an 03 A4.
Thanks, Emri.
Trying to decide whether to go full on or keep it cheap.
Roadkingtrax
09-06-2019, 04:14
What kind of scope are you going for?
What kind of scope are you going for?
I've got a K2.5 Weaver that I just got back from Iron Sight scope repair. I was thinking about using that. But I also have a Lyman Alaskan with the proper verticle split scope rings if I decide to go for a full on restoration.
https://i.imgur.com/fx1X6zm.jpg?2
"...this scant stock..." It appears to be cracked by the reinforcing screw and looks like it has been sanded excessively. All those round edges.
Does the barrel have the fore sight cuts? Like Emri says, it's missing a few parts. Gunparts has the bolt sleeve with the safety lock assembly for $23.75. So it's not a terribly expensive fix.
"...this scant stock..." It appears to be cracked by the reinforcing screw and looks like it has been sanded excessively. All those round edges.
Does the barrel have the fore sight cuts? Like Emri says, it's missing a few parts. Gunparts has the bolt sleeve with the safety lock assembly for $23.75. So it's not a terribly expensive fix.
I do not think that is a crack, if you are referring to the grain which extends through the rear reinforcing screw...
https://i.imgur.com/2rapIYs.jpg?1
https://i.imgur.com/em8omv1.jpg?1
There appears to be little sanding with this stock "in the flesh". The edges of the cutouts for the bottom metal, lower band and rear sling swivel are all sharp.
https://i.imgur.com/195t77G.jpg?1
https://i.imgur.com/jjLeoSD.jpg?1 https://i.imgur.com/Knwz8PK.jpg?1
The barrel does have the foresight cuts
https://i.imgur.com/AdiL525.jpg
Thanks for the tip on the bolt sleeve
Yep. From the different angle it doesn't look cracked.
Now the issue is how much money do you(that should be your son) want to spend on a restoration? It's all the wee metal bits that add up. $5.50 for a butt plate screw(Gunparts), etc. etc. adds up in a hurry. And some of the wee metal bits just aren't available.
"...appears to be little sanding..." The top edges, that really don't matter for a shooter, are sanded.
Yep. From the different angle it doesn't look cracked.
Now the issue is how much money do you(that should be your son) want to spend on a restoration? It's all the wee metal bits that add up. $5.50 for a butt plate screw(Gunparts), etc. etc. adds up in a hurry. And some of the wee metal bits just aren't available.
"...appears to be little sanding..." The top edges, that really don't matter for a shooter, are sanded.
Well, you have put your finger on the issue...how much time and money will be needed to convert this one back to something approximating original condition is the issue. Some posters on the CMP forum believe that it would be a net gain and that is possible, but certainly not a sure thing.
Luckily, I got the rifle for $375, the scope and rings for $200 and the stock for $75...so I'm off to a decent start cost-wise.
Made a quick trip to the range this afternoon to shoot the the 03A4 in its present condition. I had some Hunting Shack 175 gr ammo, which the 03A4 didn't seem to be thrilled with. Shot both groups at 100 yards.
https://i.imgur.com/ukYVnew.jpg?1
Also some Federal Powrshok 150 gr, which the rifle seemed to like more. I made two scope adjustments (first hit was far right), adjusted the scope (fired two more, which impacted left of the first shot), made another adjustment and fired a five shot group.
https://i.imgur.com/gG0c7NC.jpg?1
It'd still be a rebuilt rifle with no collector value. Like I say it's all the wee metal bits that add up fast. That $5.50 is for 1 butt plate screw. And not all the wee metal bits are easy to find. That hunt can go on and on.
Oh and I paid $175Cdn for my '03A4. About 40 years ago.
You make a good point bout it being a rebuild.
I paid considerably more for my 03A4 a few years ago...
http://i.imgur.com/VOafQyn.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/xoczhXw.jpg?1
Darreld Walton
09-17-2019, 10:08
I've got a K2.5 Weaver that I just got back from Iron Sight scope repair. I was thinking about using that. But I also have a Lyman Alaskan with the proper verticle split scope rings if I decide to go for a full on restoration.
https://i.imgur.com/fx1X6zm.jpg?2
I went with the Lyman Alaskan. If you mount the forward ring behind the adjustment turrets, the scope will be far enough forward to fully operate the original safety. I also use a K2.5 60B in horizontal split Redfields, and it's a fine scope to shoot with, but the Lyman I have mounted has the post with a crosshair, is bright, sharp, has yet to fog, and easily adjustable. For load development, I mounted a Lyman 8X All American perma-center on it with fairly fine crosshairs and adjustable objective that works great, can be mounted low enough that I don't have to use a chin weld on the stock, and still gives "the look", even though it wouldn't be even close to legal for a CMP match.
"...my 03A4 a few years ago..." You shooting it? I had a guy at Second Chance years ago nearly cry when I said mine shot really well.
No original scope on mine. 2.5 to 8X Scopechief. Original scopes ran $200US in those days. More than what I paid for the rifle.
I went with the Lyman Alaskan. If you mount the forward ring behind the adjustment turrets, the scope will be far enough forward to fully operate the original safety. I also use a K2.5 60B in horizontal split Redfields, and it's a fine scope to shoot with, but the Lyman I have mounted has the post with a crosshair, is bright, sharp, has yet to fog, and easily adjustable. For load development, I mounted a Lyman 8X All American perma-center on it with fairly fine crosshairs and adjustable objective that works great, can be mounted low enough that I don't have to use a chin weld on the stock, and still gives "the look", even though it wouldn't be even close to legal for a CMP match.
I had Iron Sight go through my K2.5 and replace the duplex reticle with a post and cross wire. Other than the reticle, was the Lyman better than the Weaver?
My Weaver is a K4-1, with the Micro-trac adjustment, which Mike at Iron sight is really high on.
"...my 03A4 a few years ago..." You shooting it? I had a guy at Second Chance years ago nearly cry when I said mine shot really well.
No original scope on mine. 2.5 to 8X Scopechief. Original scopes ran $200US in those days. More than what I paid for the rifle.
I do not shoot it. I probably should, at least occasionally, but I don't. The scope is a B series Lyman Alaskan, which is generally believed to be GI.
http://i.imgur.com/epapLFQ.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/NDrgp4V.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/1PdISMQ.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/lDWMTUa.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/s1Yidiy.jpg?1
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