1903A4 clone - think I paid too much, but I wanted it.

[Rogerbutthead]

The seller of that Marine Sniper rifle that went for $2877 lives in Ohio - they still allow person to person transfers - and I guess C&R rifles can be sent directly to a buyer whose state allows that - ?

The seller has a no rating - but I checked the pictures of the two rifles he had for sale - and they did not show being used before on two picture search engines. The background on both rifles were the same too, which is considered a plus in terms of validity.

I just had a thought that a serious bidder wanted to thin the competition, so he warned GunBroker that he thought it was fraudulent - so they put that warning in there - to scare off people like me. I don't think I would have even bid 2k for it, but certainly at least two people wanted it way more than me.

[sbo80]

I think GB puts up those "fraud warning" messages automatically based on some criteria, usually a new bidder. And the "No FFL Required" is also automatically put there, depending on what category the seller placed the item in. Plenty of people are stupid and don't know how to use auction sites, and put stuff in the wrong category. You'll also see the opposite, and see Antiques in "FFL required" categories, even if the seller says "antique ship straight to you" in the ad.

[ir0nclash86]

Beautiful rifles, can I ask what they cost you?

(I am wondering if they have appreciated in value since you bought them.)

The 03a4 was like 2700 and the 03 usmc was right at 3k both with new criterion barrels to be shooters. I got them like july last year. Definitely worth the price to me.

[dfletcher]

It shouldn't be all that difficult to get a new hole D&T'ed on that rifle. According to Chuck in Denver, he has seen many of these 'A4 cones improperly drilled off center, so it is probably a good thing that is hasn't already been drilled for the Redfield mount.

I crave a '03-A1 Marine sniper, even a decent clone would do. The prices have kept me out of that game, so I think Roger's clone was all-in-all a rather decent deal. Even though he'll have a few more bucks in it getting the scope repaired, it will be a cool thing to have. The only thing I would do to it beyond fixing the scope, is to reshape the handguard to more resemble an original.

A few months back I posted up my 'A4 restoration and have been very happy with how it came out. One thing I learned (the hard way) is that it is often the case where the front of the scope mount needs shimming. The Army even had a set of steel shims as part of the maintenance program for them.

Just eyeballing it but I think the rear hole in the receiver ring will line up with the screw hole in the scope base. If not I have a gunsnith up in OR who can handle it.

I have an original set or Redfield Jr 3/4" rings, they're around here somewhere. ...

[Rogerbutthead]

I snagged that Springfield 1903A4 clone because I liked Ir0nclash86's example.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1037747832

Too bad I have a queue at the FFL's office.

[dfletcher]

On concern I have on mine is the repro scope. Am considering an original Weaver 330 or Alaskan scope instead. Am wondering if the Hi Lux M82 is a solid scope, the company has kind of mixed reviews.

[highpower]

The Alaskan would probably be a better scope and would fit the 3/4" rings you already have. The Weaver has a smaller tube 1/2" than the Alaskan and you would have to get another set of rings.

[Mustang]

The Alaskan would probably be a better scope and would fit the 3/4" rings you already have. The Weaver has a smaller tube 1/2" than the Alaskan and you would have to get another set of rings.

I believe the Alaskan uses 7/8" rings and the Weaver 330 uses the 3/4".

[highpower]

I believe the Alaskan uses 7/8" rings and the Weaver 330 uses the 3/4".

[dfletcher]

Let's see - third times a charm trying to answer and not getting site "can't be reached" ....

Weaver 440 is the same diameter as Alaskan, yes?

[Mustang]

Let's see - third times a charm trying to answer and not getting site "can't be reached" ....

Weaver 440 is the same diameter as Alaskan, yes?

I believe the Weaver 440 is the same tube diameter as the 330...3/4"

[Rogerbutthead]

https://oldarmsofidaho.com/product/weaver-model-440-fine-crosshair-reticle-scope/

Sources I see - agree with you Mustang.

[dfletcher]

Geez, I'm getting everything wrong today. Just found out why my clocks were 1 hrs behind.

Time to step away from the reloading bench.

[ir0nclash86]

I snagged that Springfield 1903A4 clone because I liked Ir0nclash86's example.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1037747832

Too bad I have a queue at the FFL's office.

Shes beautiful. Great deal!

[dfletcher]

Picked up the rifle this weekend (along with a 1967 made Colt Commander) and as expected it's a pretty much "everything refinished" rifle. The extractor was sticking a bit so I removed cleaned it off. Scope needed shimming up front.

The bolt handle doesn't clear the windage adjustment knob of the scope when it's oriented "correctly". No issue when it's turned the other way. I don't especially care, seems I've seen scopes oriented the wrong way.

IMG_0935.jpg

Is it worth grinding, or just leave alone?