More Gibbs 03A4

[Gunny.b]

First I have to say that I am very impressed with your results Entry Level!

I am expecting to buy one Gibbs 03A4 very soon as I did find few here in Belgium but still affraid with the controversial reports found on the net here and there...

Entry Level what is the manufacturing date on your's? 2011?

As I want it to shoot long distance and not to stay on the wall or in a safe and the very hight price here in Belgium due to freight, import taxes and VAT charges I realy do not want to buy a bad rifle!

[Entry Level]

Gunny .b, Here is the story. When I got interested in a Gibbs I didn't know much about what I was buying. I understood Val Forget's son bought Parker-Hale and acquired 03 actions in the deal. The reproduction Gibbs was the result of him finding something to do with these parts. I don't know the manufacture date of my rifle. The scope is an M73G2 #541, this might tell someone when the rifle was assembled. It is for want of a better word "clunky". Since I bought this rifle people have showed me original Springfields and other models of original 03's that have more character. I shoot 30-06 in other rifles so having good reloading gear was a plus. I was intrigued by the rifle since it qualified for Vintage Shoots. I am not sure I would buy it again if afforded the opportunity today. It is fun in an off beat way but is not what I'd call an accurate long range shooter. The bolt lift remains heavy with all my shooting. It is safe and quaint but the scope is not to my liking. This is what we went into battle with 75 to 100 years ago and for the understanding that imparts it is good to have. The same way I enjoy shooting black powder. If you have to pay many extra charges it might be better to look at a good European battle rifle from the same period. Never the less I will take it out this weekend and shoot close and far. It is still fun to hear a friend, who might be spotting when I shoot the 24 in. gong at 1000 yards, say "outstanding".

[Gunny.b]

Entry Level, thak you very much for your explanations.

I was thinking the Gibbs A4 with his scope copy from Leatherwood may be a good altenative for a WWII rifle on long range... and I am in love with the 03's.

Your results are at least very very good for me!

My main problem still the controversial quality "reports" of these Gibbs rifles.

Seems that you may have the best as well the very bad in that production and of course I cannot test one, just having a look on the action, chamber and bore and dry fire it.

I already look inside the scope few days ago and find it perfect and very luminous for that small diameter so all good for me but don't know about setting retur to 0 and clicks possibilities and there is also a lot's of different advises on the net about these...

With all these I can't take a decision!!!