Rifle Scopes VietNam era 1903 sniper rifles

[ALFHiker]

I'm building a 1903 Springfield sniper rifle after many years of searching for a 1903 that was already drilled. I would like for it to be correct to the VietNam era.

My questions are:
What scope(s) were used on the 1903 during the course of the war? I've been told or read that the Weaver K4 and Redfield 3x9 Accurange (initially Green and later Satin Blue) were the main ones. But, I've also read that the Redfield "TV screen" scope was also used.

Was the Springfield 1903A4 the only Springfield used or were there any 1903A1 or 1903A3's.

Were all the 1903 Springfield equipped with the "C" stock (pistol grip) or were there any straight stocks used.

Thanks for any information you can pass on.

 

[Country]

Re: VietNam era 1903 sniper rifles

I think an 8 power Unertl scope would be fairly representative of that era.
How you would find one I don't have a clue.
However I think the early Springfield rifles were fitted with a Weaver K4-60B
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Vintage-Weave...=item2c626dff33

 

[TGagnon]

Re: VietNam era 1903 sniper rifles

There is a bare 1903 sniper receiver for sale from the CMP at auction right now actually.

 

[pmclaine]

Re: VietNam era 1903 sniper rifles

Culvers Shooting Page has a "Sniper Rifle" section with many knowledgeable types that can give you information.

In the CMP bolt action section likewise post this question and the milsurp collectors will be able to help you out.

The 03 was very long in the tooth by Vietnam. If it was used it would be an 03A4 most likely with Redfield mount and some of those small scopes that I cant remember the M designations of. By Vietnam the USMC would have stripped all the 8X Unertls from their M1941 snipers for use on the Winchesters Model 70's. The 70's did not see the bulk of the action the were being phased out also by this point.

Those two sights will be helpful. On this site in the antique sniper section Basraboy just completed a very nice build of an M1941 sniper. His research probably covered the period you are interested in he could help you out.

If you go for reference Brophy wrote a big book on 03's that may be helpful.

 

[Mike Hull]

Re: VietNam era 1903 sniper rifles

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=42&page=1

 

[ALFHiker]

Re: VietNam era 1903 sniper rifles

Thanks to all that provided information