1903A4 rifles cannot be faked as the manufacturer's name is offset on the receiver ring. This was done so that the maker's name and serial number was visible when the scope base was installed. Someone could probably make one of these rifle from parts if an original receiver was found but in years of collecting these rifles I've never run across an original A3 stripped receiver.

 

1903A4 rifles cannot be faked as the manufacturer's name is offset on the receiver ring. This was done so that the maker's name and serial number was visible when the scope base was installed.

....unless they do a fake engraving like the one in this link:

http://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?371913-Fake-03A4-and-M82-Scope

Cass

 

Post some pictures if you want to know for sure.

 

The SN is in the M1903A4 range and the barrel date correlates with the receiver. The scope was almost certainly added later. A lot more informations needed for a definitive assessment. Pictures are the easiest way to communicate.

 

I'll add pictures next week.
I'm abroad for the moment and cannot take pics of it.
Thanks for replies

 

the only pics I have here on my laptop are not very good but I add them now

 

Receiver is a original A4 receiver. The scope is a Weaver 330 with fake markings on the side. This is about all I can say from these few pictures.

 

+1

 

THANKS GUYS.....

I REALLY BELIEVE THAT RIFLE IS GOING BACK TO THE SELLER.......
AND MY MONEY BACK ON MY ACCOUNT....:crossfingers::crossfingers::crossfingers::crossfingers::crossfingers:

 

What did you pay for this? Might be worth keeping and finding a correct scope if you are not in to it too deep.

 

I thought an 03 A3 that is an A4 says A4 on it like 03A4 not 03A3

 

Nope. If you find one that has 03A4, its been faked.

 

A few things: There "are" fake A4's out there. December 2013 and February 2014 a pawn shop in Idaho (to remain un-named) dumped two counterfeit A4s onto uneducated buyers over a premier gun auction site.
One rebuild arsenal for a very short time did strike out some of the "3s" and stamped a "4" behind them.


Your rifle is correct as earlier stated, but you need quite a few more photos. Bolt, stock, under side of the barrel where the front sight would be (should be a punch mark) As far as the scope.... looks fake as heck but stick some more photos up. It is a lower serial number, all I've seen are in the 5 digit range and not marked with as much care and in quite the same manner. Jgaynor would be the one to look at it.

 

kamtbearman, Sounds like you were trying to convince yourself to return it. Without some additional Info/pictures pretty hard to evaluate. The receiver, base and rings look good but, past that hard to determine. The scope, as mentioned has been faked, which unfortunately brings the whole piece into question or questionable. That said, a lot will depend on what you paid for it. A solid rifle even without a scope (pretty easy to find, but pricy) can be a significant value. I have a DCM with paperwork, original with no scope, originally sold for $16.50 in 1962. Worth about 20 times what I paid for it 20 years ago. Before you return it post a few more pictures. Skid

 

I'm not trying to convince myself to return it to the seller.
But... even if the receiver is correct and if I buy a scope... after all it's not an original 1903 A4 !
I accept the fact I have no aknowledgment regarding 1903A4.
I'm a Lee Enfield n°4T collector and so a dealer cannot lies to me.
Unfortunately I cannot say the same regarding 1903A4.....
The price asked by the dealer was about 6000$

 

The price asked by the dealer was about 6000$

For a data point, last year I sold an all correct 03A4 for $4000.

 

Whoa, you are smart to walk away!! Later on this rifle would always have the same questionable problems. Whew, $6000 !! Skid

 

He better be running away

 

Six grand. Holy smokes.

I recommend Canfield's book on the 03 rifle as a primer.

 

The OP was well served by you Gentlemen !! Thank you for helping him avoid a $6K drama !!!

Sniper rifles: in the 60s till 90s, my old mans gun shop would not accept any on trade, on commission or outright buy one. Reason: always some drama and its always expensive drama.

 

Thanks for helping me to avoid a 6K drama.
The Story is now closed

 

$6,000 for a completely original early A4 is not totally unreasonable. I have seen them sell for $5,500 regularly at gun shows (again, when original). It's not 1980 anymore. People want these things. Here is one that just sold.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=553685640

 

$6,000 for a completely original early A4 is not totally unreasonable. I have seen them sell for $5,500 regularly at gun shows (again, when original). It's not 1980 anymore. People want these things. Here is one that just sold.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=553685640

$6.000 is not unreasonable price for a genuine one ... but very unreasonable for a fake....
I have been 100% refunded even if the seller is not happy ( or very hangry with that).
The seller was very bad faith and very bad player but I've got my money back so it's the most important, isn't it?????
Thanks Mr Nowak for refunding...
Good luck for the next Customer...
Perhaps soon on this forum,????

Thanks all of You, Thanks Guys
K