Genuine U.S. Marine Corps Springfield Model 1903A1 sniper rifle with Unertl "U.S.M.C. - SNIPER" 8x telescopic sight and micarta scope can utilized by the Marines in WWII and the Korean War. This rifle is a 1939 production Springfield Armory M1903A1 National Match rifle that was requisitioned by the Marines for rifle team issue prior to WWII and modified to sniper configuration by the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot c. 1943. The serial number is, correctly, not in the list of M1903A1 NM rifles sold to civilians by the Director of Civilian Marksmanship prior to WWII. Experts believe that the Marines modified approximately 1,000 M1903A1 NM and M1903 Special Target rifles reserved for pre-war rifle teams to sniper rifle configuration in 1943. Between 400 and 700 of these rifles were issued to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Marine Divisions in the Pacific Theater. These rifles saw action from the Solomon Islands in 1943 to Okinawa in 1945. Approximately 100 M1903A1 sniper rifles were used by the 1st Marine Division during the Korean War c. 1950-53. Genuine Marine M1903A1 Sniper rifles are extremely rare; experts estimate approximately 40 of these rifles exist in collections today. This rifle is illustrated on page 209 of "U.S. Marine Corps Scout-Sniper: World War II & Korea" by Peter Senich. The caption states: "USMC Springfield sniper rifle serial no. 1592585, 3-39 barrel date. A rifle with a known history in this case, the M1903A1/Unertl combination saw combat duty in Korea. The Marine rifleman tasked with using this weapon was killed in action; the rifle was sent home to his family." This rifle has all of the M1903A1 NM features: (1) armory polished bolt with late "D1" heat lot and two gas ports, (2) polished receiver rails, (3) serial number "1529585" stamped on the bottom of the stock between the pistol grip and sling swivel and electro-penciled on the top of the bolt and (4) barrel muzzle stamped with the distinctive star-gauge mark. The left side of the stock is stamped with the boxed "SA/SPG" final inspection mark behind the cut-off recess. An encircled block "P" proof mark is stamped on the pistol grip just behind the trigger guard finial. The stock has the late, coarse-checkered buttplate associated with NM rifles, and the rear sight has the polished Rock Island Arsenal sight leaf with center notch typically found on late production NM rifles. The rifle has the late grooved trigger. The sear and cocking piece have "CV" markings and drawing numbers. Late drawing numbers are present on the butt trap, rear sight base, magazine cut-off, windage knob and stock reinforcing bolt. In addition to the star-gauge mark on the muzzle, the top of the barrel is marked with "SA/Ordnance Shell & Flame/ 3-39" behind the rear sight and "P" further down the barrel. All components except the polished bolt and rear sight leaf and the blued lower barrel band have the pre-war Springfield Armory black-green parkerized finish. The rifle has the distinctive modifications that are present on all genuine Marine M1903A1 sniper rifles. These modifications include: (1) WWII production handguard altered to accommodate the Unertl scope and front scope base, (2) properly located rear scope base, (3) modified trigger guard and (4) front scope base fixture mark on the barrel. The bolt has been re-polished during the service life of the rifle, and the electo-penciled serial number is faint; traces of the blue finish applied to the polished NM bolts by the Marines are present on protected areas of the bolt. The rifle is fitted with a Unertl "U.S.MC.-Sniper" target scope serial number "1928". Experts believe the Marines purchased 1,750 of these telescopic sights and that serial numbers started at 1000. The scope has the fine wire and dot crosshairs with correct Unertl annodized aluminum target mounts, casehardened mount screws, and milled steel lens covers. The rifle is complete with a rare Micarta scope can with belt hook that was initially issued with the Unertl scopes. In addition to the scope and can, the rifle is fitted with the over-sized pre-WWII U.S.M.C. front sight cover, frequently found on genuine Marine M1903A1 sniper rifles, and a WWII production russet leather M1907 sling. The U.S.M.C. M1903A1 sniper rifle was probably the most accurate sniper rifle issued by any army during WWII. They are one of the rarest of all U.S. martial arms. Assembled U.S.M.C. M1903A1 sniper rifles are relatively common, but genuine Marine sniper rifles are extremely rare. Rifles with actual combat history are almost non-existent.

Extremely fine. This rifle and telescopic sight are all original and remain in the configuration utilized by Marine Scout Snipers during WWII and the Korean War. The rifle shows wear consistent with actual field use and retains 85% of the parkerized finish. The parkerized finish on the trigger guard, floor plate, buttplate, upper/lower barrel bands and exposed areas of the barrel has scattered handling marks with traces of brown patina. As previously noted, the bolt has been re-polished, and the serial number on the top is faint but legible. The oiled walnut stock and handguard show the same moderate handling wear as the metal components. The "SA/SPG" final inspection mark on the left side of the stock is faint but legible; the proof mark, serial number and drawing number are clear. The Unertl telescopic sight and mount are in excellent condition with 95% plus of the original blue finish remaining. The optics are clear. The Micarta scope case remains in near new condition. This is an outstanding example of a genuine and extremely rare Marine Springfield M1903A1 sniper rifle with Unertl "U.S.M.C-Sniper" telescopic sight and rare scope can. It would be nearly impossible to find a finer original example of this classic WWII sniper rifle.