Question about 1903 with Warner & Swasey scope

[cplnorton]

I have heard of a 1903 with a Warner and Swasey scope for sale.

Talking to the seller. He said it was in the 700,xxx range I believe. He said it appears to be a correct 1903. He said it had a WWI cartouche on the stock and it had a AA stamped over top it.

I know nothing of the WWI snipers. He did say it came with a case for the scope as well.

What should I look for, when I look at it? Were they serialized to the rifles? Any tell tale signs for one pieced together and one that is real? I'm pretty sure he said it was an AA rebuild mark, so it would almost have to be pieced together?

Any help would be appreciated. I know nothing of these. What do I look for?

Steve

[Fred]

I've just got to wonder... if you know nothing about them, why then do you want to buy one? I guess what I'm asking is... How do you know you want one if you know nothing about them? All I know about them is that there are two types, a 1912 type and a 1908 type. I know nothing about either. I believe that the 1912 is an improved design but I don't know how.

[Major Tom]

I know little about M1903s or the scope mentioned. But, I think it would look cool in my U.S. military small arms collection.

[cplnorton]

I've never had one of these before, so it's sort of a new challenge. And something new to learn. :)

[Rick the Librarian]

A lot would depend on the price. If it is a "you stole it" price, you wouldn't have to be that fussy. If it is a "get a second mortgage on the house" price, you need to research it.

As Fred said, there are two types. I also know that they were usually serialed to the rifle (i.e. the rifle's s/n was stamped on the scope). For starters, if you have M1903 references, like Brophy, Campbell and Canfield, start reading!

[rebound]

The serial # of the rifle is stamped on the inside rail of the scope mount where it slides on the rifle.. it reads ( for rifle no. ###### ).. The scopes have a serial # of there own.

[Fred]

I've never had one of these before, so it's sort of a new challenge. And something new to learn. :)

Yes! Learning is a never ending process, isn't it! You already know more about them than I ever have.

[jgaynor]

One of the best single sources IMO is the "Complete Book of US Sniping", Peter Senich Paladin.


Regards,
Jim

[RCS]

stock was milled inside on the left side too. Two other weapons had the Warner & Swasey scope installed - can anyone name them ?

[jgaynor]

Benet Mercie Automatic Rifle and the Ross Rifle

[Col. Colt]

If the price asked is equal to the total value of all the pieces recieved, sold separately, you can at least break even by parting it out, even if it is a "put together" piece - or just enjoy it for what it is. If the price is that of a collector grade item, then you had better get the books, do the research, AND/or consult an expert. CC

[RCS]

There is a third rifle in 303 cal that also used the W&S scope, it was P-14 used by Canada at the start of WW2 until around 1943

There were, and no doubt sill more W&S 1903 rifles being put-together, besides the numbers, the W&S used a unique screw thread on the three bracket holes. A lot of restorations had the threads chased out to a more common US size thread on the receivers

[cplnorton]

I know the guy real well, I'm sure he would probably let me take pics and ask you guys about it before I commit to it. It's just something I know nothing about. Way out of my pay grade.

Thanks for all the advice you guys have given me!

[Promo]

Most important thing: remove the stock and take a picture of the stock cutout. That is what most fakers appear to be unable to fake. Secondly, take a picture of the inside of the receiver where the screws are visible, if they are staked or not.
Regarding the scope, remove it and check if the inside of the dovetail is with a "FOR RIFLE NO. XXX.XXX" engraving. If it is, it's one of the rarer, issued scopes and therefore also worth more.

[thek98sniper]

My buddy bought a W/S scope at a garage sale complete with the wrench and case for $20. He called me over to ask me what it was for. I noticed the scope had no plate with ballistics on the top. I told him it was for a WW1 Ross rifle. He went back to the house where he got the scope. Guess what? Yes, another $200 and has both now. Like winning the lotto.

[Fred]

Wow... That's cool.

[Promo]

Jesus Christ, are they matching with the scope case? If yes, tell your buddy I would buy both :).

Make sure it's not only a US variant which is missing the plate on top! You can also identify the Canadian W&S scopes by the fact that they have their own serial number block, running from 1-500. Also the heigh adjustment only runs up to 2400, compared to the 3000 on the US variant.

PS: Did your buddy also ask if they had rails or a rifle to go with it?

[Kragrifle]

Sins of omission are much worse than sins of commission.