US WW2 Springfield Sniping Rifles
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- Опубликовано: 15 сен 2016
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The primary sniper rifle used by the United States in World War II was the M1903A4 Springfield, a version of the exisiting 1903A3 with the iron sights removed and replaced with a Weaver 330C scope (adopted by the military as the M73B1). This was a low-power optic, but was centrally mounted on the rifle to avoid and of the windage issues caused by prismatic scopes.
The 1903A4 was the US' first truly mass-produced sniper rifle, with more than 28,000 being manufactured during just two years of the war (1943-44). The rifle was taken out of production when the M1C sniper adaptation of the Garand was formally adopted, although production of the M1C would be delayed until the end of the war. The 1903A4 would remain in service after WWII, with later scopes being approved as replacements for the M73B1 (in this video, we will take a look at one equipped with an M84, the optic adopted for the later M1D).
The US Marine Corps, of course, had to be a bit different, and adopted their own sniper rifle variant in 1941, a 1903A1 fitted with an 8 power Unertl scope. These scopes were a tradeoff, being significantly more fragile than the M73B1, but also being much better for long range precision shooting. The USMC, taking much pride in their culture of marksmanship, was happy to make that trade, and the rifles served well throughout the war.
/ forgottenweapons
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I think Ian could do a video talking you through a tax form and i'd still listen to it.
Tax Jesus explaining the treatment of gains on the sale of capital assets? I'll listen! lol
I know man. I could listen to Ian all day long. I don't know why. He's so Knowledgeable. He's not an Annoying Fuckhead. Or a Douchebag.
@@Niafi11 Forreal he isn't like most youtubers that talk out of there ass for 6 minutes that way they can make sure they can make the video atleast 10 minutes and add like 5 ads to it
Teutone Gun Jesus would throw the Money Changers OUT of the Temple.
I'm not even a gun fanatic and I find "gun jesus" videos interesting.
That long marine corps scope looks so good on the Springfield rifle in my opinion.
yeah the smaller one just doesnt look right
I'd love to put one on my kar98
It looks so unique
My grandfather brought his 1903A4 back to Alaska and to the Armory here. After his retirement his Commander gave his 1903 Service Rifle to him as a retirement gift. He had 20 years of service, his medication for his PTSD was going up to the mountains to hunt and gather.
I have it now and I keep it in my GunSafe.
Great vid i enjoyed it very much👍
My uncle Ben was a marine in WW2. He has passed away several years ago, but I have a picture of him with a few buddies. One must have been a sniper because he was holding a 1903. The picture was taken from ten yards or so, but you can make out a super long scope on the rifle. Thanks for the info.
are you spiderman?
Bro, ur Uncle Ben must've been one hell of a shot
Kenny VanCleave UNCLE BEN
Kenny VanCleave, I am writing a book on the Marine Unertl snipers. Is there any chance I can see this pic? This is probably a new pic that has never been published, which is amazing. cplnorton2@yahoo.com
Kenny VanCleave How come your uncle was a sniper? I thought the US don't have snipers during ww2.
As a last ditch weapon, the first scope doubles as a blow gun
/Battle Staff
Don't be silly, they were used as batons to crack your enemies skulls with!
That would make them illegal in Canada 😂
My heart hurts when you joke about abusing a Unertl. Those scopes are works of art!
True Born Son Of Liberty “doonk!!”
The Springfield served way longer than people expected. It's last major war was actually in Vietnam and it does the same role as the Mosin Nagant PEM/PU sniper rifles where it's there to fill in the sniper roles before dedicated sniper riles like the Remington M700 arrived for the US side and the SVD Dragonuv arrived for the Soviet/NVA side.
I had a friend who was on Tulagi at the end of WW2. He was a Marine sergeant and his commander ordered him to dispose a Springfield sniper rifle with the long scope. They were leaving the island light without excess baggage. He walked out on the pier and dropped the rifle into the ocean. At the time he never knew how valuable those rifles would become as collectibles.
My first hunting rifle as a fourteen-year-old kid was a sporterized 03 Springfield and I can honestly say mine can outshoot nearly every rifle in my gun safe / collection even the ones that cost 2 or $3,000.00 the Springfield was a phenomenally accurate rifle to begin with
“Now, men, before you go blasting hot loads in faces, I need you to remember one thing... don’t go sticking your bolt in a receiver it doesn’t belong”
I feel like US rifles before the M1 Garand don't get enough attention.
Thanks for covering these. My grandfather was a US Army Sniper in WW2 and told me about his Springfield sniper rifle.
1903A4 is such a cool looking rifle. If anyone hasn't look up Frank Kviatek,He was a 46 year old WW1 Machine Gunner veteran who served as a sniper in WW2 using the 1903A4 and became quite a legend among the troops,He killed 56 enemy soldiers by the time he was captured. He wouldnt use anything but the 1903A4,Guys would offer him the modern M1 Garand but he wouldn't use anything but the 03 sniper rifle
Strelok 762 were can i find out info about this guy ?
lol, more like FTF
The Marines 1941 was a True 1000yard rifle. The 1903 rifles they were built on were Marine Corps shooting team match rifles from the 30s. Except for a Equally accurate Model 70 base the combo was almost identical to Carlos Hathcock’s rifle.
As a machinist the engineering and machining of these guns in the 10s of thousands before the days of computer controlled machines is mind blowing.
yeah, they had similar stuff, but without CNC, it was all manual labor
I'm mad about Saving Private Ryan now because they used the Marine Springfield rifle lol
It's actually a bastardized o3a4 with a Unertl 8x.
It's a standard 03a4 with a Unertl 8x mounted to the Redfield Jr reciver rings.
The rear Unertl adjustment knob also had to flipped, otherwise the bolt would interfere with the windage knob.
Even if you got it worked out how to mount a Unertl 8x scope to Redfield Jr reciver rings, the elevation and windage adjustments wouldn't work properly.
A Unertl 8x has to have it's mounts spaced something like seven or seven and a half inches apart for the MOA adjustments to properly work.
Thats the least of ur peeves...
Yes😃 Very good sniper rifle
Well I personally think Saving Private Ryan sucks as a war movie. The only part I like is the landing in Omaha beach and fighting up the cliffs
Luke Nagy damn idk man you might gotta see it again
"Be not that far from me, for trouble is near; haste Thee to help me. Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight."
The same old story. The Army's always had smaller knobs than the Marines.
you wish, the Marines dont have tanks
Well, yeah. The Marines are just giant dicks after all (I kid, I kid. Bit of inter service rivalry, hooah?)
Well, it's bad enough they're a part of the naval department, at least it's the men's department 😁
Crayons taste good don’t they?
No the saying goes the Army are smaller knobs than the Marines are. 😄
O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not my enemies triumph over me. *bang*
Saving Private Ryan quote?
was just thinking of that
I was reading it in his voice.
Tristin M private Jackson was a legend
An Army Ranger using a Marine 1903. Wonder if Dale Dye snuck that in?
I really like it when you get a bunch of related guns and cover their history and variations in the same video Ian
I just noticed this rifle has the exact same holes drilled and tapped on the top of the receiver as my 1903 Springfield. I bought it for $400 with the rear sight assembly cut off and a Lyman target sight installed. I just thought someone did some backyard gunsmithing, but now I'm not so sure that's 100% the case. That gun is the most accurate rifle I own.
Yeah the holes on the top of the receiver are not correct for a 1903A1 Unertl Sniper rifle. Honeslty I keep track of all the real USMC Snipers. This rifle is a clone. :( Nothing on it is really correct.
@@cplnorton1
It's 100% correct for a WW2 Marine Corps '03 Unertl Springfield.
Both of you aren't right, I think I'll go with gun Jesus.
I love Springfield sniper rifles in WW2 games.
That really long scope makes it look like some of the earliest sniper rifles.
I own a 1903A3 and i love it. Such a great and beautifull gun.
Not so often seen in germany.
Not anymore at least lol
@@crabmansteve6844
Garands and Carbines were more often seen 😁
Excellent coverage of these rifles and their usage, thank you so much! “Hearing” all these relatable stories in the comments of loved ones who handled them daily is a real sobering treat as well. 🍻 💚
"Be not Thou far from me, O Lord. Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teaches my hands to war, and my fingers to fight. My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust."
- Private Daniel "Sniper" Jackson.
Ian, your videos are always fascinating from a military history perspective and general viewing. Although I will never own any of these fine rifles and handguns I am grateful that they have survived to be enjoyed and owned by others. This is as close as I will ever get so please keep up the good work. Thank you!
So glad you did this :) I'd been waiting on watching the WWI sniper video hoping that this would be soon to follow up. It was really neat watching them back to back.
1941: we better have that scope free float or it will get beat up and won't shoot.
2021: we need those scopes as secure as possible or it will get beat up and won't shoot.
Manufacturing advancement is a wonderful thing.
Ain't that the truth! Howa bout that new 6.8x 51 round that's replacing the 5.56 and the 7.62x51?
Very cool history there. Thanks for sharing
Another good video ian love to hear the history of any gun i can, keep up the good work!!
I love the old Springfield actions. I custom built a 243 using this action. Tack driver! It was an A3. I used a Monte Carlo stock and a Winchester barrel.
The scope on the Marine Springfield is so funky I love it.
Thanks for that! I have always been interested in what existing sporting arms companys manufactured for the wars.
Excellent, as usual.
(BTW, I love the Lady with the Winchester behind you..! ;) )
Many thanks..!
thanks for another very informative and great vid
Very nice video, very informative!
Very good video. Keep them coming.
Great vid!thanks so much!!
Serious shooters and long range cartridge developers like me, still use Unertle Ultra Vermonters. I use them with calibrated heads and Posa mounts on all of mine. There is still to this day, no scope with as much precision elevation or windage adjustments for cross hairs on target farther than a mile. That Marine 03A3 could easily win matches today.
My Late Grandfather used this sniper Rifle in the Korean War he fought in The Borinqueneers or 65th infantry regiment I have picture of him holding his sniper rifle but it's hard to see which one it was but 100% positive it's a Springfield
Boricua, awesome. I never thought I'd see a story from one of them on this channel lol.
Sir, I am writing a book on the 1903 Unertl Snipers. Is there any chance I could see this pic? My email is cplnorton2@yahoo.com
Viva Puerto Rica! Honor et Fidelitas!
They made the last battalion sized bayonet charge by the United States Army.
Awesome Regiment too, love those guys.
Love the popping sound of this gun in video games.
Couple added notes. To the best of my knowledge the M41 USMC rifles all stated life as national match 1903's with star gauge Springfield barrels. And looking at the serial number on that one I think it falls in line with the serial numbers for national match rifles.
So easy to forget how good we have it, can you imagine a free floating scope?...amazing
crazy too see scope floating back and forward like that.
We have used Unertel’s for decades and still use them because they can’t be beaten for accuracy, adjustment, focus and clarity. I have and will put any of my calibrated head Ultra Varminter with Posa mounts against anything else. I have every type and make I have found of RTB external adjustable or combo I / E adjustment scopes and mounts. Everyone who thinks they know will mention that they are not gas filled for anti fogging. Not a problem.
Also, my O3A3 out of Camp Perry is a beautiful tack driver.
Nice video. I put together a replica a1 with the leatherwood scope and a high number Springfield marine gun. Great shooters. I copied the m118lr ammo in the 3006 cartridge and it shot a .471 inch at 100 prone and shoots an average of .7 all day. If you can find one then shoot it. There my favorite
The best about this channel sit at you do not need to be a gun expert to understand what he say, it's truly education and you learn new things in every video.
Another great video!
Very nice round up there!
Excellent video! 👍👌👏
I always like seeing those old telescopes.
Great back-stories, well related.
Great video
I would love to have one of these..
I know Ian is more of a fan of cartridge firing guns but I would love to see some Civil War era sniper rifles and others from the 19th century.
Yes! We must have a Whitworth on the table! Even a repro would be acceptable.
The Unknown decepticon , check out "cap and ball" channel. Another nice firearms channel, focusing on black powder guns. Not as rare guns as Ian, but still very watchable
Greetings, Ian. I would appreciate viewing your historical assessment of the Hudson's Bay Company trade guns if they are within your scope of interest.
I had an ersaltz 1903A3 set up with a Leshert Spot Shot 10x(?) scope which closely resembled the Unertil scope. It did have a return spring on the scope. Seem to recall it had Army adjustment knobs. Twenty years is a long time to remember. Sadly, I became gun rich and money poor and had to sell it.
Sometimes with the thinking that went on between wars it’s a wonder how we even manage to get through a war successfully.
Re the Unertl - mentioned in the book “dead center,” by Ed Kugler. (Still in use in Vietnam.)
A table full of delights
Considering how many videogames it's in, I sincerely doubt the Springfield 1903 can be considered a forgotten weapon.
It is, however, one of my favorite rifles of all time alongside the Mosin-Nagant.
Great videos. What you say about the Marine Corps keeping stuff (and getting Army hand-me-downs) - spot on, even to this day. We do more with less I suppose
Anyone doubt the longitivity of older scopes? I have a Western Field 3-7x (vintage unknown) that I bought at a pawn shop for $30 with tax. I use it on one of my "historic sim" air rifles, but if it was ever used on a powder burner, I couldn't tell. The tracking works, and is precise. I wished I could find more of them to be honest.
My 1903 SN is about 8,000 off from from your's, 1,313,xxx. Mine was made in 1929, re-barreled with a 5-42 barrel. It has a C stock that was arsenal sanded but still shows the FJA inspector's cartouche. It has a well oiled dark leather sling. Were the C stocked rifles issued to marksmen? The rear sights are precision pieces, they compensated for bullet precession at longer ranges.
It's funny the difference between those old Unertl that were 8x and then newer 10x ones used until a few years ago.
To be fair, military scopes have always lagged far behind what was technically possible at the time. One aspect was of course reliability (because no photographer would treat their lenses like a soldier would have to treat his rifle), but the other thing was simply the amount of pieces produced.
There are some lenses from that time (1930s) that are still held in high regard even today by photographers worldwide (take a look at Meyer Optik for example) while no serious sharpshooter would pick any of those scopes over a modern one.
That’s literally a rocks throw from my house. Fairfield, Maine. Represent!
It wasn't because of a lack of weapons as to why the front-line troops did not get issued M1 Garands, they were given to rear echelon troops in the beginning of the War. The reason was the Marine Corps was hesitant about giving them to front-line troops because they hadn't been battle-tested in Pacific environments & tropical conditions. They knew what they were doing, not stupid or unequipped/ill~equipped
That's some crazy stuff! Owning a original Springfield 1903-A4 which is the most absurdly accurate 30-06 I've ever shot, it's incredible to think that people were talking these bolt actions apart and redesigning them into semi or fully automatic weapons! Sad fact about the high nickel content receiver's they were manufacturing along with some other incredible features that these guns possessed in the time they did is somewhat mind blowing! Unfortunately in a way the A4 I own was handed down to me by a person who was into the higher level of 30-06 shooting in the 60s and 70s and came across a few of the A4s that were sporterized and then fitted with the NRA 1903-A3/4 stocks the NRA offered back then to make your ex military weapon look more conventional and modern. I guess these guys had no idea what values were ahead in the future for these guns when they were butchering them up for the next Springfield match competition??? SMFH! So yeah Unfortunately I own a original A4 by serial number, and it's deadly accuracy, but it can never be put back into its stock stock as the barrel was shortened by a inch or two and recrowned which gave it even more accuracy than the original barrel length did by taking some of the spin off the round which is what I was told why It was shortened a little bit? But otherwise love your videos and information on these weapons which probably no one would have access to let alone be able to strip them down to find out how they worked?! So keep up with the awesome work brother and keep making these informative and educational videos for us to all learn from please. It is important for history and the future to know how we all got to where we are lol. Peace my friend!
That 41 USMC sniper's scope is mounted quite high. It is interesting that there is no record of building up the comb of the stock for a proper cheek weld, or that no provision was made for this. Different time.
Carlos hathcock used the unertl scope on a model 70 Winchester 30-06
"Oh my strength, haste thee to help me" *kraut throat explodes*
all very nice I like the second one
All the late production (after mid 1942) M-1903 rifles A-1 A-3 A-4, had barrels with only 2 lands and grooves. Always seemed suspect to me, but it was said to have no ill effect on accuracy or anything else of importance.
Dope is the right way to use as a Sniper. Holdovers might work sometimes but...
🖖🏻😎🇫🇷😇🖖🏻
Thanks for this.
12:12 Interesting, I believe the Japanese did the same with Type 99 snipers (not sure about 97s). IIRC, the Japanese measured barrels for straightness and then slapped scopes on 'em.
The '03 "Unertl" rifles that the Marine Corps built were selected from rifles that had "star guaged" barrels, I'm surprised Ian didn't mention that in the video, a star guaged barrel has a tiny * (asterisk) stamped on the crown at the muzzle end.
beautiful. I still know of folks today who use that you unurdl Scope it's a good school
The post and line reticle is called German nr 2 . You aim at the top of the post , center of it .
Read that it was these Remington's rifles is the rifle on which Sergeant York used in his famous battle in WW1.
I've always wondered what the point of the vertical post with a horizontal line below the point of aim was.
Horizon maybe and the point of aim above could help give a rough distance calculation.
Take a look at the Tokagypt 58 if you ever get your hands on one.
thanks Ian for the history of the us snipers in ww2 wanted some more info snipers since I am playing heros and generals and am mad the us doest get the urtill scope
very interesting!!!
Do these old WWI and WWII era scopes do anything better in practical terms than a cheap Tasco/Bushnell Walmart scope today (mounted in decent rings)?
basically the same sniping doctrine today, with the Army simply buying rifles to use, and the USMC building their own rifles to use. the USMC taking the role a bit more seriously.
River Styx Armory the marines do not build their own rifles, they simply assemble pre made rifles tailored to the individual with after market parts just like anyone else building an AR. Nothing special about it at all, both marines and army do this.
A 2112 Marine would beg to differ
They don't build shit doutch...they just attach whatever it is they may want...such as crayon box and a juice box holder...
@@mattcaldwel8610 I know this is 3 years late but I thought you might like to know that this is not true. The USMC precision weapons section is something you should read about, it’s actually pretty cool.
www.defense.gov/Explore/Features/story/Article/1648485/marines-keep-weapons-on-target/
My life dream is to collect all ww2 rifles. Both sides. These rifles are so sweet
that scope looks like they took a rifle barrel and put a lens in it just for the hell of it
Anyone know of any good books on the USMC snipers in WWII? Preferably first hand accounts. Even better if it's in the Pacific theatre. Cheers.
Is the stock the original one on the M1903a4? As far as I read the C style stocks were only used on really early A4s. Interesting to see that each of them have the C stock instead of the modified "Scant" stocks. Are the Rifle slings genuinely belonging to the rifles? I knew there were Kerr slings for the Springfield/Krag/P17, but I allways assumed "Marksmen" were rather issued the "standard" 1907 sling. Great to see originals as comparison to my deac. 1903a3 to a4 conversion.
Ian, did they select the '04A1s to make into Marine snipers based on accuracy tests to find the best rifles, or did they just pull a few from the assembly line?
Has anyone ever seen an 03a4 with what looks like something like a small square of green tape with a number written on it on the top of the stock over the pistol grip? My guess is possibly put on in the armory for an easier identification rather than reading the serial number.
Had one with a post view instead of crosshairs
I have a Remington 03A3 that has been sporterized, I got it from a dealer that got it at an estate sale & have very little information on it,& I would like more information on it,where can I get any information on it like was it issued overseas or is it just a surplus rifle? It has a 2 groove barrel & a front site, but no rear site & it has been drilled & tapped for a scope,ot has a walnut stock with a Monte Carlo style cheek piece carved in it. I know a lot of guys hate the " sporterized " versions,but whoever did this one was a professional! The metal to wood fit is incredible! & it has been re- blued at some time,it is actually black! & the custom bolt fit is amazing! The real amazing thing is I only paid the dealer 100$ for it & I think the walnut stock is worth at least 100$ ! I'm not looking to sell it, but I would like more information on it.
Saw this video too late. I would have paid everything I had for the Marine M1941 Unertl. Maybe I'll find another one.
oooo god i can't discribe how much i want to try look with the scope A1
I have a ww2 bolt action rifle marked 1903 a4 on side of receiver.
All 1903A4's had the receivers marked "03A3", some that were rebuilt after the war had the 3 struck out and a 4 hand stamped next to it.
The reason all the 'A4's were marked 'A3 is because after the rifles were assembled if they didn't meet accuracy standards for an 'A4 they could have the scope base screw holes filled in and regular 'A3 sights could be installed on them for use as a regular infantry rifle.
Yeah, definitely want audible clicks coming from your rifle scope adjustment knobs in an era of no ear plugs. Tactile might be a better word 😅
Played Heroes and Generals and I could identify the scope names just from the first scene lol.
Late to the party as usual, but to flesh out a bit more, the Marine Corps' train of thought when it came to marksmanship was predominantly based upon it's shooting team in the interwar years. A whole host of the modifications made to their 1903's/A1's post-Banana Wars influence, this, from the decision in that time period to go with the "#10" width sight and larger rear sight aperture replacement, to eventually going to a "numbered" height system that was instituted during the 30's, so individual rifles could be quickly brought into the "new zero" of 200yds and returned to the inventory. This time period also included the electro-penciling of the bolts to the receivers, strangely as the authors at USMCWeaponry.com point out with primary documentation, was more of a logistical move to keep headspacing safe (as the Marines still issued "Uppers" and "Unders" aka High/Low Serial #'s, and were pretty much squeezing all the life they could out of their barrels and bolts with no contract for replacements in sight yet), as some units, like those in the Marine Corps Reserve, would lock the bolts up after a drill weekend, the etching served to make sure the correct bolt made it back to the correct receiver.
The experiences at the National Matches influenced not only the Marine re-arsenal 03's/A1's during the 30's, but of course the "M1941" when the time came. The context totally informs the reason as to why the Unertl was chosen, as well as a preference for National Match "coarse" buttplates. As many former rifle team 03's as could be were taken from the general inventory and built to the new specifications. Again the research done by the authors at USMCWeaponry is amazingly done, showing some of the key features to include NM Nickel-Steel Bolts, stripped, polished, and reblued, fitted trigger guards with staked screws, "star gauge" barrels when not requiring replacement, and sometimes features from the earlier Philadelphia Depot arsenal re-works (enlarged, and crude Hatcher Holes, plumber tool marks on the barrels replaced, etched bolts,etc.), barrels retained a "6 o'clock bed" near the front sight band, and are quite thinner and more fragile, but it's an interesting attempt to free float a barrel in the 1930's-40's.
But yes, Ian you are correct, the entire base point of the USMC was accuracy, not "cuz Marines," (though probably that too), but mostly because the Corps looked to it's Rifle Team members and armorers to get the most they could out of their aging 1903 inventory.
Tough for modern people - i.e., those accustomed to generous defense appropriations for the armed forces - to understand just how poor - how strapped for funds - all of the armed forces were between the world wars. That's perhaps the biggest reason the Corps learned to make do with less. That and the fact that the Army didn't supply the Corps until all of its needs - real or perceived - were met first. Despite being the parent service of the Marines, the same applied to the U.S. Navy (the Corps became a separate service after WWII).
Ian - any info on the Spandau IMG 08 Machine guns? or aswell, on the German WW1 MP18 Sub machine gun? I'm really interested to know about it, in it's original battlefield form - especially it's extended snail magazine.. the gun that coined the nickname 'Trench Broom' . Cheers Mate from Down Under. Tom.
ruclips.net/video/Gbt1_gyAPYY/видео.html
Snail magazine huh? Have you seen the Vollmer Portable Magazin on the mp-18? Id love to know more about it
The original Mp18s had a long magazine that jutted out of the side of the gun on an angle with a small drum on the end.. hence 'snail' nickname
i know but there also was a weird magazine with a hose called vollmer portable magazine for the mp-18. i only know it from a photo
Russian PPsH also? don't want to overload you with requests though ;)
the rifle with the huge scope on it is the same i believe as the rifle used by the sniper in saving privet ryan