This is a very fine example of a U.S. Springfield Model 1903 rifle that has been subsequently arsenal overhauled into the 1942 U.S.M.C. sniper configuration, with a pair of scope blocks mounted on the barrel and receiver, the latter butting up to the rear sight and the former extruding through the opening in the specially prepared upper handguard. Unertl equipped Model 1903 U.S.M.C. sniper rifles are considered by many to be the deadliest snipers of World War II, with successful use in the Pacific campaign by Marines and confirmed kills out to over 1,000 yards. The barrel, without star gauge marking, is dated "U.S.M.C./7-41/(S)" with the correct style vise marks known to have been performed by Marine armorers (requires handguard removal for viewing), with a correct "NS" marked blued bolt that has been electro-pencil numbered to match the receiver and a Rockwell hardness punch mark on the underside of the bolt handle. Blade front and ladder rear sight with bright face and the 2,850 yard notch. Serrated trigger. Smooth pistol grip stock with a circled "P" proof, boxed "S.A./S.P.G." inspection cartouche marked on the left of the wrist, "1496206" (close to the serial number of this rifle) and the drawing number marked underneath the buttstock, and a checkered buttplate. The J. Unertl 14x scope is "USMC-SNIPER" marked, with a serial number of "1018", threaded steel lens caps and aluminum rings. Includes an M1907 leather sling. Provenance: The Steven Preston Military Collection

Very fine as arsenal upgraded to current configuration, retains 95% parkerized finish with some light handling marks, 85% arsenal applied blue finish on the bolt with some cycling wear. Stock is excellent with attractive raised grains and rich oil finish, a few moderate scratches on the left of the forend, a few minor small chips on the edge of the pistol grip, some light handling marks, defined edges, and a clear cartouche. Scope is excellent, retains 97% original blue finish on the tube with a few small patches of very light surface freckling, and crisp optics. Mechanically excellent. This very fine example of a Model 1903 U.S.M.C. sniper rifle would make a fine addition to any U.S. Military or World War II collection!