This is an example of a U.S. Springfield Model 1903A1 National Match rifle that was manufactured in 1938 and has been converted/fitted with a Marine Corps 8-power Unertl "USMC-SNIPER" telescopic sight with black anodized aluminum UNERTL marked mounts. The rifle falls within the known serial number range of Marine Corps M1903A1 NM rifles that were converted to sniper configuration and fitted with Unertl telescopic sights by the Marines at the Philadelphia Navy Yard c. 1943. This rifle has the late production 1903 Springfield NM features which include: (1) star-gauged barrel with star-gauge mark on the front end of the muzzle, (2) polished bolt, receiver rails and follower, (3) rifle serial number "1526133" electro-penciled etched on the top of the bolt body. The left side of the receiver has the additional large gas port (Hatcher Hole). The rifle is fitted with a correct, pre-war "C" style pistol grip walnut stock with drawing number "D-1836" and serial number "1526133" stamped behind the pistol grip. It is also stamped with the boxed "SA/SPG" Ordnance final inspection mark on the left wrist and a circled "P" proof mark on the inside of the pistol grip, and it is fitted with a correct 1903A1 NM coarse checkered buttplate with drawing number on the inside of the butt trap. It also is fitted with the modified handguard that allows the mounting of the sniper scope. The top of the barrel is stamped "SA/Ordnance Shell &Flame/ 9-38", and an additional "STAR" stamping is on top of the barrel between the cutouts of the front barrel band. The meaning of this additional star is unknown, and it does not usually appear on M1903A1 NM sniper rifles. The rear sight is an all parkerized version marked 2-27 (200 to 2700 yards) without the notch on top of the slide which is fitted with a USMC No. 10 rear sight leaf, and it has the larger USMC type front sight blade. It also includes a larger USMC style front sight cover. The receiver has the usual Springfield Armory markings, and the bolt handle is stamped with "NS" on top and "7" on the underside. The safety has early serif "SAFE/READY" markings (late production M1903A1 NM rifles are frequently seen with early production components). The rifle is accompanied with a "USMC-SNIPER" marked Unertl 8 power sniper scope. The scope is correctly roll-stamped on the rear of the tube with the Unertl and USMC markings along with serial number "1692". It is also fitted with the black anodized Unertl scope mounts. It is also accompanied by an original green Micarta telescopic sight case issued with USMC M1903A1 Unertl sniper rifles and a WWII issue M1907 russet leather sling with steel hardware that is marked "BOYT/44". The Marine modified M1903A1 Unertl sniper rifles were almost certainly the most accurate sniper rifles issued during WWII and remained in limited service with the Marines during the Korean Conflict. Total production of these rifles is believed to be under 1,000 rifles. Original USMC M1903A1 Unertl Snipers are very rare and highly collectable.

Very fine as restored to U.S.M.C. World War II specification with 98% of a late black parkerized type finish and overall only minor edge and high spot wear. The bolt is still in the white and has the matching serial number on the underside. The reoiled walnut stock and handguard are both in fine condition with nice clear distinct markings and proofs, minimal handling marks on the sides, and some light arsenal refurbishment on the rear edges in front of the buttplate. The Unertl sniper scope retains 98% of its blue/black finish overall and has clear sharp optics. The Micarta scope can is also in excellent condition with 95% of its original green color overall.