WW2 US Remington 1943 Model 03-A3 Sniper Rifle With F.O.R. Weaver Scope (Original)
SKU: 272
Original/Reproduction: Original
Availability: In-stock
Manufacturer: Remington Arms
Date Manufactured: 1943
Model: 03-A3 (M1903A3)
Serial Number: 3407851
Caliber: 30-06
Magazine: Five-round magazine
Barrel Length: 24 inch round
Total Length: 36 in
Weight: 8.5 pounds
Bore Condition: 9.5/10
Action: Bolt
Effective firing range: 300-600 Yards
Scope Manufacturer: F.O.R. Weaver
Scope Model: 330
Scope Serial Number: 7981
Stock: Walnut
Sling: Leather
Condition: Mint
Price: $5,395.00
Seller Type: Classification: C&R / FFL
Seller ID: JMW
Seller Code: 4000
Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Description
This is a Remington model 1903-A4 sniper rifle. The rifle is marked "03-A3", but this is known as the A4, because of the offset stamp on the receiver. The rifle comes with a Weaver 330 scope that is in mint condition and optics are excellent and crisp. (adopted by the military as the M73B1). The wood stock is all original and is in very good condition with cartouche stamp.
History
The Remington Model 03-A3 sniper rifle played a critical role during World War II as a marksman’s tool in the hands of skilled U.S. military snipers. As an evolution of the Springfield Model 1903, the 03-A3 incorporated several modifications to streamline production and improve battlefield efficiency. When paired with the F.O.R. Weaver scope, this sniper rifle became a formidable asset for precision shooting.
Development and Production
The Model 03-A3 was introduced in 1942 as an updated version of the M1903, featuring cost-effective production changes. Manufactured by Remington Arms and later Smith-Corona, the rifle retained the fundamental reliability of the original M1903 while incorporating stamped steel parts and a two-groove or four-groove barrel. These adjustments ensured rapid wartime production without compromising performance.
To transform the standard 03-A3 into a sniper variant, select rifles were designated as the M1903A4. These models featured a modified receiver to accommodate a scope, removing the iron sights in the process. The rifles were specifically chosen for their superior accuracy before being fitted with optics.
F.O.R. Weaver Scope and Optics
The M1903A4 sniper rifle was commonly equipped with the Weaver M73B1 scope, an adaptation of the civilian Weaver 330C hunting scope. The "F.O.R." designation on the Weaver scope denotes a field-overhauled or refurbished variant used for military applications. This scope featured a 2.5x magnification, which, while not as powerful as later sniper optics, provided American marksmen with enhanced targeting capabilities at medium-range engagements.
The scope was mounted using a Redfield Jr. one-piece mount, requiring careful alignment to ensure accuracy. Due to the receiver modifications, the scope slightly offset the shooter’s line of sight, necessitating a specific cheek weld position for optimal aiming. Despite these limitations, the Weaver scope was durable and effective in the hands of a well-trained sniper.
Combat Effectiveness
Deployed in the European and Pacific theaters, the M1903A4 with the Weaver scope was used extensively for reconnaissance and eliminating high-value enemy targets. While its bolt-action mechanism was slower than the emerging semi-automatic M1 Garand, the rifle’s superior accuracy made it indispensable for specialized sniper operations. The M1903A4’s performance was particularly noted in engagements requiring precision shots at distances of up to 600 yards.
Snipers trained with the rifle developed exceptional marksmanship skills, compensating for wind, bullet drop, and the limitations of the Weaver scope. Despite the relatively low magnification, the 03-A3 sniper rifle proved highly effective in skilled hands, with its .30-06 Springfield cartridge providing significant stopping power.
