1903 A4 Sniper. New guy

[mdarnell19]

Hey guys. Just joined the forum and look forward to learning more about US weapons. I have been very heavy into collecting snipers (US, German and Russian). I thought I would share pictures of my 1903A4 sniper. I believe it is a original rifle that has never been rebuilt (but my knowledge is limited). Opinions welcome. I don't think the covers in these pictures are original war time. I have a set that are. This rifle also came with a original Technical Manuel.

When I was in the 8th grade my father took me to see Saving Private Ryan and like so many I was hooked. Since that day I wanted a 1903 A4. And it is still one of my favorite rifles today.

On another note, I am interested to see if anyone knows the meaning of all the different inspection marks on the stock in front of the trigger guard. Is there any consistency with these that would allow us to track a more accurate date of when the stock was assembled to a rifle? They seem rather random to me from looking at several A4s and I can not find any pattern. If anyone has please let me know.

Thanks


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[mdarnell19]

More pictures...

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[mdarnell19]

More pictures......

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[mdarnell19]

Last pictures....

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[mdarnell19]

Here a few of the TM.

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[cplnorton]

I've already told you, but I have to say it again. Beautiful rifle Matt! It's nicer than mine.

On the stamps in front of the trigger housing, I've seen a lot of different ones too. So I honestly don't know. Jim Gaynor will be around sometime and this is his specialty.

[chuckindenver]

they are gallery markings, or sub inspectors markings

[mdarnell19]

thanks for posting these pictures

How about some pictures of your German snipers? We don't see many of those, here or anywhere.

Sure I'll post some pictures. Which sub forum should I post them in? And what do you want to see, Single Claw, High Turret of K43?

[Johnny P]

These are the stock markings on my 03-A4 about 1700 serial numbers later.

[mdarnell19]

they are gallery markings, or sub inspectors markings

Thanks for the info. I was under the impression that only a few companies made the C and Scant stocks. Any reason why so many markings? It is that each stamp represents a process done to the stock? Thanks again for the help.

[Johnny P]

It appears that the markings were applied after the rifle was finished, and the 03-A4 normally has more markings than the 03-A3. Probably as it passed each evaluation it was given another mark. Does you rifle have additional marking in the pistol grip in addition to the P proof?

[cplnorton]

It appears that the markings were applied after the rifle was finished, and the 03-A4 normally has more markings than the 03-A3. Probably as it passed each evaluation it was given another mark. Does you rifle have additional marking in the pistol grip in addition to the P proof?

Yeah that has always been my toughts as well. As it was inspected at the factory when completed, those were the stamps applied at each inspection had passed.

[chuckindenver]

Keystone and American Billiard and Bowling made scant and C stocks. as far as i know, only keystone, made them with the cut for the A4 bolt.
early Stocks were supplied by Springfield and will be pre war C stocks, the bolt notch will be hand cut as well as the handguard ring
and will be nicely done, will be FJA marked as well.
scant grip stocks were used later in production.. mostly on the last group of A4s.
just guessing, but each stamp could be fitment, to finish, ect..
nobody in the collector world knows for sure what each one is..

[mdarnell19]

It appears that the markings were applied after the rifle was finished, and the 03-A4 normally has more markings than the 03-A3. Probably as it passed each evaluation it was given another mark. Does you rifle have additional marking in the pistol grip in addition to the P proof?

Yes it does.
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Keystone and American Billiard and Bowling made scant and C stocks. as far as i know, only keystone, made them with the cut for the A4 bolt.
early Stocks were supplied by Springfield and will be pre war C stocks, the bolt notch will be hand cut as well as the handguard ring
and will be nicely done, will be FJA marked as well.
scant grip stocks were used later in production.. mostly on the last group of A4s.
just guessing, but each stamp could be fitment, to finish, ect..
nobody in the collector world knows for sure what each one is..

Great information. Thanks. This is along the lines of what I figured they did. It is interesting that they put them all in one place. Russian rifles will have several inspection marks scattered all over the stock and receiver/barrel.

So who made the stock on my rifle? I initially thought it was a Springfield stock because it's early but shouldn't it have a S in the cut off?

[cplnorton]

I don't think Springfield every made one with a machine-cut bolt cutout, but don't quote me on that. I only study the A4 in passing and won't try to claim to know all the small details of crazy variations out there.

But I would imagine your's has a K in the cutoff. I tried to look at the pic and I really couldn't tell.