For those interested in WWII firearms, you might want to see the article I did on the Model 1903A4 sniper rifle. It appears in the December issue of Dillon Precision's Blue Press catalog/magazine. An on-line version of the article will probably not show up until December. Subscriptions to the Blue Press are free, and can be obtained at dillonprecision.com or by phone at 1-800-223-4570.

Here's the photo I took of my rifle for the article. This one was manufactured in August of 1943, and has one of the early Weaver scopes. It's a late first-production rifle with a serial number in the 3421500 range and has a 4-groove barrel. It remains in excellent shape.

__________________
- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Saw the article, but haven't gotten around to reading it yet.

Super pic!


T-Star

Beautiful rifle, I'll have to look for the article.

__________________
Lynnie, Professional Pest

Paladin, have you shot your 03A4, and if so, how does it shoot?

I have a very similar 03A4, mine is in excellent shape as well, SN 34116XX with a barrel date of 5-43, however, mine has the M84 scope on it. I've yet to shoot this one even though I've had it for a number of years.

I bought a M1D along with this one from the same fellow and as much as I like Garand's, I haven't shot that one either.

I read the article yesterday!! I always read your articles first. :-). I had an O3A3 for several years, it was a two groove barrel, but it shot pretty well. It was a very well written, concise, and enlightening article. Thanks.

__________________
Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

Any way to getting the article posted or emailed?

Beautiful rifle. I've never shot one but have drooled over them ever since I picked up a copy of the army manual TM 9-1005-205-12.

Steave,

As I mentioned, Dillon will post the article probably sometime in December on their web site. However, until then, here's a pic of the article - due to size limitations here, it may be a bit difficult to read, but maybe you can enlarge it. Bear in mind that Dillon holds the copyright.

And no, I've never shot this rifle - I'm not taking a chance on damaging that old scope from the recoil. It would probably be OK, but why risk affecting the value? Today, it's more of a collector's item than a shooter. For shooting, I've got plenty of '03s and '03A3s.

John

__________________
- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Great article, John, thanks for posting it!

I enjoyed the article, I wish I could find a decent 1903. They all seem to have seen better days or have been restored. You do a great job with your articles, I look forward to your writing in particular in the Blue Press.