Springfield M1903A4 Sniper Rifle

Springfield M1903A4


Caliber: 30-06


Action: Bolt Action











( Click on picture for full view )


The Springfield Model M1904A4 sniper rifle was a modified M1903A3 Springfield rifle specifically designed for use as by snipers. The M1903A4 was used during World War II, playing a part in the Normandy invasion in June 1944, until it was replaced by the M1C and M1D model Garands. The M1904A4 was also used in Korea and to a very limited extent during the early years of the Vietnam war. It was replaced by the Remington 700/M21 Sniper Rifle.
The sniper rifle was made standard on 14 January 1943. According to Springfield Armory records, on 18 January 1943 Remington Arms was directed to divert from production 20,000 M1903A3 rifles for conversion to the U.S. Rifle M1903A4. Rifles #3407088-3427087 from the first "block" of numbers were diverted, and the first "03-A3" converted was delivered in February 1943.
On 20 June 1943 an additional 8,365 M1909A4 rifles were ordered. The number block for these rifles and possible future orders was 4922001-5784000. After this block had been used to 4997045, the receiver marking was changed to 03-A4 and a new series of numbers begun with Z4000000. In March 1944, with receiver Z4002290, production of the M1903A4 was ended with a total of 29,964 M-1903A4 rifles produced.
Depending on the date of manufacture, some of the M1903A4 rifles had stocks with straight grips while some were equipped with A1 type stocks with semi-pistol grips which were called c-stocks. Markings on the A4 receiver confusingly said "MODEL 03-A3" but were moved so they are not covered by the scope mount.
The scope was mounted directly over the receiver magazine loading area, so the stripper clips cannot be used to fill the magazine. Cartridges had to be fed in one at a time.
Overall it was a very accurate and reliable sniper ans one of the best sniper rifles of WWII.


Here is a site with some good information: http://www.surplusrifle.com/03a3/index.asp