Make: Remington

Model: 03-A4

Serial Number: 4998111

Year of Manufacture: 1943 (Barrel Date: January 1944)

Caliber: .30-06 Springfield

Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine

Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “U.S. REMINGTON / MODEL 03-A3 / 4998111” The mag disconnect is marked, “ON / OFF” The barrel is marked, “R. A. / 1-44” with a flaming bomb and “P” proof on the underside. The safety is marked “READY / SAFE”. The bolt has several “R” stamps as well as one on the forend cap. The stock is marked, “FJA” (Frank J. Atwood) with an ordnance cartouche and a Remington “RA” stamp. There are four station marks forward of the bottom metal and a “P” proof on the scant grip. The scope base is marked, "REDFIELD" and the scope has a plate on the right side marked, “TELESCOPE M84 SERIAL NO. 43929” the underside is marked, “7667424”.

Barrel Length: 24”

Sights / Optics: There are no iron sights. The top of the receiver is fixed with a Redfield Jr. scope base with a Libby-Owens-Ford M84 telescopic scope with a simple post & horizontal crosswire. There are black flecks on the inside of the lens.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece scant grip walnut stock has a steel cap w/ bayonet lug & stacking loop, barrel band w/ sling loop, two action through bolts, cut for bolt handle, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and a knurled steel buttplate w/ a hinged door. There are light scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are no chips but there is a thin crack forward of the receiver. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates at about Very Good to Excellent overall condition despite the crack.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, this bore rates 8.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. There is light patina and light pitting throughout. There are scratches and light nicks throughout. The leading edges are worn. The action has faint wear. The screw heads are mostly sharp with some having moderate wear. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good + condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Canvas sling.

Our Assessment: The Remington Model 03-A4 is among the most iconic American sniper rifles of World War II, purpose-built from the 03-A3 platform for precision shooting and scoped combat application. Unlike the field-modified M1903s that preceded it, the 03-A4 was produced without iron sights and with provisions for mounting an optic, typically a Weaver 330C or, in postwar updates, the M84 scope as seen on this example. This rifle, with a 1943 serial and January 1944-dated Remington barrel, falls squarely within authentic production range and is a correct representation of U.S. military sniper doctrine during the later years of WWII and into the Cold War era. The M84 scope mounted on this rifle represents the postwar continuation of the 03-A4's service life. Though too late to see combat in WWII, the M84 became the U.S. military’s standard sniper optic during the Korean War and remained in frontline use into the early years of the Vietnam conflict. It was employed not only on 03-A4 sniper rifles like this one but also later on M1C and M1D Garands. Its simple post-and-crosswire reticle and rugged construction made it suitable for battlefield conditions, and it stands today as a recognizable feature of Cold War-era U.S. sniper doctrine. This rifle’s bore is sharp with only minor erosion, rating 8.5/10, and the optic remains serviceable despite some flecks in the glass. The stock is in Excellent condition and retains its correct “FJA” and “RA” markings, lending authenticity to the rifle’s overall configuration.

For collectors of U.S. military arms, the Remington 03-A4 is a cornerstone piece. Its purpose-built status, sniper configuration, and historical deployment make it a highly desirable rifle, whether as part of a WWII display, a shooter for vintage sniper competitions, or a carefully preserved investment in American military heritage. The addition of the M84 scope, used exclusively in Korea and early Vietnam, not only elevates its historical importance but also bridges the gap between the WWII sniper legacy and the evolving precision needs of the Cold War battlefield.