Make: Remington

Model: 1903. Configured as a 1903A4 Sniper Rifle.

Serial Number: 3037813

Year of Manufacture: Receiver dates to March 1942. Barrel is dated December 1941.

Caliber: .30-06 Springfield

Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine

Barrel Length: 24” Round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade set in a raised base. The rear sight is a “U”-notched blade attached to a fully adjustable sight ladder. When flipped up separate notches and an aperture on the ladder can be used for sighting. The rear sight cannot be used with the scope installed. Sight bases have been installed on the barrel and receiver. They are secured by screws. Two rings hold the fixed 8-power scope to the bases. The Vintage Commercial Unertl Scope is marked “J.UNERTL / OPT. CO. / 13950”, as well as with the number “8”. It uses a crosshair reticle. The view is clear but slightly dim. The scope tube shows scrapes, thinning, and discoloration from oxidation.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a nose cap, bayonet lug, stacking loop, barrel band, 2 sling loops, 2 reinforcing pins, straight grip, and a checkered metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The wood shows numerous scratches and compression marks. The left side of the butt shows a surface crack that does not flex. The LOP measures 12 ¾” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate shows surface erosion and wear. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original to Rebuild

Bore Condition: The muzzle and grooves are gray. The rifling is deep. There is erosion at the muzzle and in the grooves. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.5. In this writer's opinion, this bore rates a 6.5 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The barrel shows scrapes and light surface erosion. The remaining metal shows light scrapes and handling marks. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads show moderate use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a Vintage Commercial Unertl 8X Scope and assembly installed, a US WW2 M-1907 brown leather rifle sling marked “MILSCO / 1943” attached, a metal oiler tube stored in the butt, a 1949 dated USMC khaki pith helmet (the metal EGA dates to the ca. 1970s-1980s and has been added for display), and a USMC ca. 1940s-1950s OD HBT Shooting Jacket with pads at the elbows and right shoulder, unique open top lower front pockets, and “USMC” and an “EGA” stenciled on the left chest. Both the helmet and jacket are hand marked with the surname “MONAHAN” in dark ink.

Our Assessment: This Remington M-1903 has been configured as a USMC M-1903A4 Sniper Rifle, topped with a Vintage Commercial Unertl 8-Powered Scope. Our consignor advises that it was used by a member of the USMC Shooting team during the 1950s, and that team member’s USMC khaki pith helmet and HBT shooting jacket are included in the auction. This rifle is chambered in .30-06 Springfield, features a 24” barrel, 95% of its original to rebuild parkerized finish, and tough walnut stocks, and comes with some great USMC rifle range accoutrements.