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.
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
@@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
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.
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 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
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.
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
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.
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.
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 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."
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.
"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.
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.
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
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!
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
@@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/
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Incorrect about the left hand bolt. Jackson's left handed, rifle has the bolt on the right. Rewatch te movie. Magazine sizes in movies are always debateable, since you pretty much never see them reload.
....most unertl scopes of that type had recoil springs, so returning the scope by hand wasn't necessary....did they leave this off in military versions
@@cplnorton1 The recoil springs had a set screw. You engaged the spring when mounted on a .22 target rifle, and slid it back when mounted on the .30-06. I have the Lyman 8X Targetspot (not a Super Targetspot), mounted on a Remington 1903A1 Type "C". I have the spring on mine.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You have to keep in mind that the USMC has always encouraged, and in fact, demands accurate aimed rifle fire, while the Army has always used "volume of fire" as a basis of shooting. That's the difference in philosophy of the two branches. So, it's not at all surprising that the USMC sniper rifle would have far more accurate scopes.
Back in the 1980s my next door neighbor sold me a 03 Remington sniper rifle in excellent condition, some piece of garbage criminal broke into my house and stole it including my entire WW2 collection - 4 German p08 lugers,3 1911s colts,10 German duggers,2 Nazis ss helmets - it took me years to recuperate from it , over the years I have purchased more but in everything from WW2 has become very expensive back in the 1980s and before not too many people were into WW2 collecting and you could go to any gun shows and find lots of stuff very affordable,in a way it's good that More people are into WW2 collecting so we never forget what freedom and sacrifice is all about.
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.
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
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.
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.
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).
Unertl was a German sniper in WWI. He had a Great relationship with the MARINE CORPS, his son served in the MARINE CORPS. Later to run the company. Unertl later made the 10x power scope on the M40a1.
Interesting to note that in Saving Private Ryan, Jackson (the sniper) is seen using a a4 rifle but with a Unertl scope. However, I noticed during the scene where Caparzo (Vin Diesel) is hit by a German Sniper, Jackson's rifle is topped with what looks to be an M73 scope. But as he is taking cover behind the car with the Captain, he can be seen switching out scopes to a Unertl presumably to make a more precise counter sniper shot. I wonder if this was actually standard practice for US Army snipers in WW2.
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.
Pretty much everyone I know has at least one 03 Springfield. They were $25 in surplus all through the 1960s. Prices have gone up but there are still hundreds of thousands of them in the US.
Kind of funny that the US never adopted a scope in the 3.5-4x range in WWII. That seemed to be the sweet spot everyone else settled on. I wonder if there was a reason not to go that way or just what was available immediately and in quantity.
!["สนธิ" ห่วงมีขบวนการปกป้อง "ทนายตั้ม" : [THE MESSAGE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/2GQNp3EoMc0/mqdefault.jpg)
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 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.
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.
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.
Thanks for covering these. My grandfather was a US Army Sniper in WW2 and told me about his Springfield sniper rifle.
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 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
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.
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
I feel like US rifles before the M1 Garand don't get enough attention.
“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 really like it when you get a bunch of related guns and cover their history and variations in the same video Ian
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 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 😁
I love Springfield sniper rifles in WW2 games.
That really long scope makes it look like some of the earliest sniper rifles.
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.
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?
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.
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 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. 😄
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 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.
The scope on the Marine Springfield is so funky I love it.
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?
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.
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!
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Very cool history there. Thanks for sharing
Excellent, as usual.
(BTW, I love the Lady with the Winchester behind you..! ;) )
Many thanks..!
Love the popping sound of this gun in video games.
So easy to forget how good we have it, can you imagine a free floating scope?...amazing
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
I always like seeing those old telescopes.
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Another good video ian love to hear the history of any gun i can, keep up the good work!!
Re the Unertl - mentioned in the book “dead center,” by Ed Kugler. (Still in use in Vietnam.)
Thanks for that! I have always been interested in what existing sporting arms companys manufactured for the wars.
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/
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.
oh my fucking god Springfield always haunts me in cod zombies. I regret it.....
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.
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!
A table full of delights
crazy too see scope floating back and forward like that.
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.
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.
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.
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.
th-cam.com/video/Gbt1_gyAPYY/w-d-xo.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 ;)
Saving Private Ryan taught me these have 7 to 8 round magazines and a left hand bolt. Amazingly advanced compared to its ww2 counterparts!
The bolt was still on the right side of the gun.
Not to sure about that mate, the Lee Enfield no4 T had a ten round magazine and a better fire rate plus not compromising accuracy
XxRangerGamingXx He is making fun of the tower scene where the editing makes it appear that Jackson (The sniper) doesn't have to reload for 8 rounds.
Incorrect about the left hand bolt. Jackson's left handed, rifle has the bolt on the right. Rewatch te movie. Magazine sizes in movies are always debateable, since you pretty much never see them reload.
True, gun was right, he was not.
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 😅
....most unertl scopes of that type had recoil springs, so returning the scope by hand wasn't necessary....did they leave this off in military versions
Yes, they removed the springs on the rifles that used on higher calibers. With the spring on them, usually the scopes would fail under the recoil.
@@cplnorton1 The recoil springs had a set screw. You engaged the spring when mounted on a .22 target rifle, and slid it back when mounted on the .30-06. I have the Lyman 8X Targetspot (not a Super Targetspot), mounted on a Remington 1903A1 Type "C". I have the spring on mine.
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.
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.
Very good video. Keep them coming.
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.
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.
You have to keep in mind that the USMC has always encouraged, and in fact, demands accurate aimed rifle fire, while the Army has always used "volume of fire" as a basis of shooting. That's the difference in philosophy of the two branches. So, it's not at all surprising that the USMC sniper rifle would have far more accurate scopes.
interesting! is that still the case?
Yep, still is, in fact all Marines must qualify with an M16/M4 every year and the score that you shoot is a major factor in promotion.
If you have a manhurin mr73 please do a review on it
Check out LifeSizedPotato. He has I think two of them.
"Oh my strength, haste thee to help me" *kraut throat explodes*
Very nice round up there!
Back in the 1980s my next door neighbor sold me a 03 Remington sniper rifle in excellent condition, some piece of garbage criminal broke into my house and stole it including my entire WW2 collection - 4 German p08 lugers,3 1911s colts,10 German duggers,2 Nazis ss helmets - it took me years to recuperate from it , over the years I have purchased more but in everything from WW2 has become very expensive back in the 1980s and before not too many people were into WW2 collecting and you could go to any gun shows and find lots of stuff very affordable,in a way it's good that More people are into WW2 collecting so we never forget what freedom and sacrifice is all about.
Read that it was these Remington's rifles is the rifle on which Sergeant York used in his famous battle in WW1.
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.
USMC cost effectiveness, 1 round, 1shot, next target!
British army cost effectiveness
1 round 5 targets down, whats next LEFT TENNANT! :3
Sometimes with the thinking that went on between wars it’s a wonder how we even manage to get through a war successfully.
thanks for another very informative and great vid
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
Cool
Very nice video, very informative!
Great vid!thanks so much!!
Had one with a post view instead of crosshairs
Ach! Did you forget to mention the difference in the bolt handle shapes between the Marine & Army designs?
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.
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.
I love the A1
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).
Great video
I would love to have one of these..
The turrets on that Unertl are really a thing of beauty. They are clearly the predecessor to todays tactical turrets.
Unertl was a German sniper in WWI. He had a Great relationship with the MARINE CORPS, his son served in the MARINE CORPS. Later to run the company. Unertl later made the 10x power scope on the M40a1.
Interesting to note that in Saving Private Ryan, Jackson (the sniper) is seen using a a4 rifle but with a Unertl scope. However, I noticed during the scene where Caparzo (Vin Diesel) is hit by a German Sniper, Jackson's rifle is topped with what looks to be an M73 scope. But as he is taking cover behind the car with the Captain, he can be seen switching out scopes to a Unertl presumably to make a more precise counter sniper shot. I wonder if this was actually standard practice for US Army snipers in WW2.
Zachary hunkele This actually was not possible on the 03A4 and the Army never used the Unterl scopes.
+EdM240B Ok so it must have just been Hollywood doing Hollywood things
Zachary hunkele yep. The Scope actually isn't a genuine Unterl, but looks like a modern replica
i think its just hollywood being hollywood, because the scope wouldnt be zeroed when mounted in the field like that
The post and line reticle is called German nr 2 . You aim at the top of the post , center of it .
Very cool. I wonder what they could have done with the modern scopes we have today…
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.
"Every marine is a rifleman" Alfred M. Grey Jr. 29th commandant USMC
Long before Al Gray that was said....
@@knutdergroe9757 yes that maybe true but I find it more fitting to use the version connected to him
That’s literally a rocks throw from my house. Fairfield, Maine. Represent!
Was the long scope version used by the sniper in "Saving Private Ryan?" It looks similar. Barry Pepper was the actor.
Yes, that’s actually a Unertl scope of ‘03A1 but mounted on ‘03A4, something that you can only see in movies or in games
Take a look at the Tokagypt 58 if you ever get your hands on one.
Please do the WW1/2 British weapons
I Agree
On the USMC scope where the scope knobs not brass??
How would you aim that M84? Would you go to the top of the post or the intersection between the post and the horizontal?
Top of the post, typically, but you could set the zero however you like.
Hey Ian are Springfield's hard to find?
I doubt it, they were standard infantry rifles during WW1, and very popular during WW2, Korea, etc etc, and also very popular sporting rifles today.
Google them.
Pretty much everyone I know has at least one 03 Springfield. They were $25 in surplus all through the 1960s. Prices have gone up but there are still hundreds of thousands of them in the US.
My life dream is to collect all ww2 rifles. Both sides. These rifles are so sweet
Kind of funny that the US never adopted a scope in the 3.5-4x range in WWII. That seemed to be the sweet spot everyone else settled on.
I wonder if there was a reason not to go that way or just what was available immediately and in quantity.