Is that Possible to Convert M1903A4 Clone back to A3

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HasegawaYamato

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I know the title sounds stupid...
I have a local guy willing to sell me a M1903A4 converted from a A3.
I'm pretty sure its a clone as the S/N seems not correct for a A4 conversion and the S/N was not restamped at the side of the receiver.
But I prefer the original A3 and as you guys probably know A3s are really hard to find these days in Canada.
It seems like not to diffcult to convert the clone back to its original shape: put back the A3 rear sight and put back the fornt sight. But Im not sure if I missed anything.
 
Well, all 1903A4s were converted from 1903A3s so...

Be sure it’s actually a conversion and not the real deal before you convert it back. Plus its probably worth more as a fake sniper than a restored A3.
 
There are going to be holes from the scope mount drilled and tapped in the receiver. Was the bolt handle altered?
What scope is mounted? A 330 weaver or a Lyman Alaskan?
I suspect that the 03A3 you would wind up with would be a second rate one.
 
Blastattack said:
Be sure it’s actually a conversion and not the real deal before you convert it back.
Click to expand...

tiriaq said:
There are going to be holes from the scope mount drilled and tapped in the receiver. Was the bolt handle altered?
What scope is mounted? A 330 weaver or a Lyman Alaskan?
I suspect that the 03A3 you would wind up with would be a second rate one.
Click to expand...

Oh right, Im convinced its a clone also because the scope is a Malcolm's Weaver 330 repro.
I didnt put to much attention to the bolt handle since I found the scope is a repro...
 
O3A4s used standard 03A3 barrels sans the front sight. Assuming it hasn't been dicked with, an 03A3 front sight band could be re-installed using the key and pin. An original 03A3 bolt could be found for it. The 03A4 used a Redfield Jr mount which engaged the rear sight lug of the 03A3, so the lug should still be intact.

Presumably when they cloned it, they installed a commercial Redfield Jr mount which needs 2 holes drilled and tapped in the front receiver ring. There are ways of filling those holes, but its pretty tough to totally conceal them.

Is it a Remington or Smith Corona receiver? I was once offered a "genuine", no $hit 03A4 built on a Smith Corona receiver. Trouble was all 03A4s were built by Remington.;)
 
I'm no expert, but more than likely you have a made up A4. Sometime tomorrow or next I'll dig up the serial number range I have & you can compare. Short of the match rifles, there were a lot of clones made & sold as originals...
 
The dead giveaway on an original 03A4 is that the markings "US Remington Model 03-A3" are fully visible on the receiver ring to the left side of the scope mount base. The s/n will be fully visible on the right side of the base.

A common story for the reason why the markings are 03-A3, instead of 03A4, is that rifles which didn't meet accuracy standards could be restored to 03A3 configuration by removing the scope base and re-installing the 03A3 front and rear sights. This always sounded like a myth to me.

Providing that the barrel is sound, bedding is per spec and the scope is serviceable, an 03A4 will deliver 1.5 MOA groups, even the ones with the 2 groove barrel. Mine will do that consistently with handloads. The weak point in the rifle was the fragile and low power Weaver 330 scope.
 
Remember what Col. Cooper said about the M1 rifle:

If you don't have an M1 rifle, get one. Better yet, if you can afford it, get two.

My 03A4 clone is made up from an 1903 rifle, and it is an excellent (and fun) shooter. It works dandy with modest loads which is all you need for most gun club ranges.
I phant'sy that once you shot it , you wouldn't want to part with it once an 03A3 comes along. I have a tiddled up 03A3 as well, and plan on keeping them both.
 
I made up a 03A4 clone starting with a badly sported A3. Lots of receiver ring holes. Installed an original 330 Weaver. Shoots remarkably well.
But turning it back into a presentable 03A3 would be an uphill battle.
 
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