First Shots with a World War 2 Era Remington M1903A4 Sniper by Rock Ridge

First shots and scope sighting of a Rock Ridge 1903-A4 Sniper clone, built on a Remington receiver in caliber 03-06. The rifle is modeled in a World War 2 configuration equipped with a copy of the Weaver 330 rifle scope. This rifle is new old stock, rebuilt in 2013 and purchased just last week.
This is my first effort syncing cameras and doing voice-over. So it’s a bit rough around the edges, but I hope you enjoy the video all the same.

[@WilliamMitchell-sc3fe]

The fourth round hit just slightly above dead center. If I was his spoter I'd say: "give me 1 click down, "fire when ready."

[@occasionalmarksman4865]

That would be a good call; thanks for the comment.

[@whitezcamaro]

I have a Gibbs, Rock Ridge built them for Gibbs. James River built there own as well. The bottom of my barrel says RRMW for Rock Ridge. It shoots very really well with the Criterion barrel. Nice video.

[@occasionalmarksman4865]

Hello Slinger, Thanks for the kind words and the info on Rock Ridge and Gibbs connection. My rifle too has RRMW EPHRATA PA. 30-06 tamped on the bottom, just behind the muzzle. It would be interesting to get a James River and Rock Ridge together for comparison.

[@ssgnewt]

In the modern Army we would say this is a designated marksman rifle, or D/MR. i was a DM so, this gal is right up my alley.

[@occasionalmarksman4865]

I was always an iron sight fan for playing around on the range, as to I alway though iron sights more challenging. But this girl shown me the alluring secret world of vintage scoped weapons and it is addicting!

[@jacobbeauvais4760]

If your bolt feels sticky, try removing the extractor by rotating it 90 degrees downward from its position when you remove the bolt. This pushes the front of the extractor up and out of the front extractor groove in the bolt and you can slide the extractor off from the front. Then just clean or polish the surfaces that engage the bolt.

[@damselnoir5905]

Thanks for the suggestion, the old girl is working smoothly, but perhaps others might try your helpful fix.

[@davidv.3135]

I have a new U.S. Armament 1903-A4 and I'm so glad I bought it before the price jumped up. Amazing what these rifles can do. Thanks for the video!

[@occasionalmarksman4865]

Hi Dave, I agree the quilty of these rifles is impressive. Before I had the chance to inspect and shoot one, the idea of a "reconditioned" 03-A4 wasn't appealing to me. But I've now drank the Cool-Aid and am entirely on board; Veronica.....my A4 is currently one of my favorite rifles.

[@dpfb1263]

Thanks for the great info and history on the Springfield 1903-A4

[@occasionalmarksman4865]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@buckrowley1506]

last group super sharp

[@occasionalmarksman4865]

Thanks for the comment Buck, I'm planning to haul the cameras back to the range for a prone shooting with the 03-A4 and see if the group loosens up or stays just as tight.

[@AlexJay3211]

I got a Rock Ridge back in 2012 from Cabela’s in Reading, PA. I paid about 12 for it back then.

[@occasionalmarksman4865]

How does it shot for you? Any problems with it?

[@AlexJay3211]

@@occasionalmarksman4865 I shot it maybe in 2014 or 15…maybe 5 rounds and remember it had some heavy recoil but I always take a few guns to the range for familiarization purposes but time constraints probably didn’t allow for much beyond that. Haven’t really had the time to follow up since but am re-interested in exploring it again.

[@occasionalmarksman4865]

@@AlexJay3211 Take her out for a play date at the range when you can. It is a challenging and fun snipper rifle at 200 yards and beyond. Enjoy the day!

[@firegrunt03]

Just got a Smith Corona with Lyman Sights. But its been civilianized

[@occasionalmarksman4865]

New unfinished military stocks and handguards are available from several sources, as well as the hardware that you might be missing, such as a nose cap and sling swivels. If you're looking for an indoor project to do during the coming winter, I bet your Smith Corona would appreciate being restored to its original configuration.

[@johnw4999]

My understanding is, snipers or marksmen (predating the DMR term) opted to use AP ammunition. Reason is it tends to be more accurate as a result of higher QC and manufacturer processes over ball ammunition. I’m impressed what the S&B ammunition did.

[@occasionalmarksman4865]

Hi John, Thanks for the comment. The use of AP ammo by Snipers/Marksman is intriguing. Do you know a source of reference, a book, a website, or such? Actual primary source material by/about US Army snipers/marksmen of WW2 is pretty spartan; I enjoy reading all I can find. I know some people don't have fate in S&B Ammo, and I'm sure they have justified reasons. But S&B 30-06 and 303 Brit flies pretty straight for me.

[@johnw4999]

@@occasionalmarksman4865You’re very welcome, and thank you for the content. My info comes from my father in-law who is an avid WWII military arms “historian,” shot w the AMU at Benning, his father was in WWII… he has countless old books talking about it and other facets of match ammunition, and was a dear friend with “Hook,” a founding father of the Army’s sniper program who (served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam) and unfortunately passed a few years ago. I have a M1A1 they assembled years ago; I can’t do it Justice!

[@occasionalmarksman4865]

I think I would enjoy browsing your father in-laws library! Good Luck with the M1A1, another one of my favorite rifles.

[@jackson4861]

I have the same configuration made by the same company,. My scope mount gets loose every time I shoot the gun how do you keep yours tight?

[@occasionalmarksman4865]

Hi there, I do not have that problem. The scope on this rifle hasn't shaken loose by recoil....yet. But don't be too upset. Scope mounts loosening up under recoil or being bumped about is a problem that's been around since the first optics were mounted on rifles back in the age of black powder. Check with Hi Lux, I'm sure they'd have a suggestion to tighten your mount up. Good Luck!

[@user-wq5tp5iq6c]

Excuse me where I can buy that rifle?

[@occasionalmarksman4865]

I don’t think/know if these clones are being produced by any manufacturer at this time. If you search online gun stores, every once in a while, a new-in-box 03-A4 clone pops up. You can find them for sale on firearm auction sites in used condition. Sometimes gently used, other times...not so gently. They are still out there, you’ll just have to search a bit. Good Luck and let me know if you find one!

[@zen8791]

How much did you pay?

[@occasionalmarksman4865]

More than I told my wife it cost, but less than I expected to pay.

[@zen8791]

@@occasionalmarksman4865 Can I get a number? us armament is charging 2500 for one of these bad boys. So I wanna know pleaseeee

[@occasionalmarksman4865]

That price is not to much over what I paid. But, you have to remember, I don't think this clones are being produced anymore, every year there going to be less of them in "New in Box" condition in circulation. Its a market supply and demand game, if vintage sniper shooting become more popular the price will go up, if the sport falls out of favor, the prices will drop. I understand your dilemma, 2.5K is a lot of money to spend on bang stick. You could always watch "gunsamerica" and other such sites in hopes of finding a gently use one in an auction for a lower price.