USMC Faux Snipers almost competed

[collectorm1ca]

I've almost completed building my two 1903 Faux USMC Sniper rifles. One is a 1.4 million SA with a new SA 3-39 barrel and the other is a 3.2 Remington with a new 6-42 barrel. Both of these rifles I built up from a couple of nasty barreled receivers I had. Except for the scope blocks and the Hi-Lux Unertl copy I had all parts on hand, including the barrels, Keystone stocks, the Unertl scope and Unertl rings on the Hi-Lux scope. I did the parkerizing (first ever attempt) on all parts except for the barrels, the bolt on the 1.4 SA, a couple of the bolt parts and the rear sights. The only work I sourced out was the D&T on the scope blocks. This includes the sculpting of the bolt on the Remington to clear the scope. No need to do the SA bolt since the real Unertl is sleeved and it sits slightly higher.

Both rifles shoot very well out to 600 yards. The target below was shot at 200 yards from position with a sling. Two five shot groups; the 1.4 SA shots (w/flyer) are on the left and the 3.2 Remington on the right. Both shot using Hornady Garand Match ammo, before I had a chance to work on some custom loads.

Since the rifles were built using almost entirely parts on hand, acquired when parts were cheap, I was able to build both rifles for just under 2K total (not each), including the Hi-Lux scope.

Sorry for the large pics.

[McCormickDeering M]

Beautiful rifles. Very beautiful. Where did you get the scope blocks?

[collectorm1ca]

Beautiful rifles. Very beautiful. Where did you get the scope blocks?

Steven Earle; http://steveearleproducts.com/

[powerwagon]

they are beautiful weapons.. great job

[George in NH]

Wow!
Great job! Makes me want to start on a build of my own! I made up a 03AForgery with the Lyman Alaskan. I have had it out twice to sniper shoots 3/600 and it shoots smaller groups than I can hold!
George in NH

[GillaFunk]

Sexy!

[collectorm1ca]

I made up a 03AForgery with the Lyman Alaskan. I have had it out twice to sniper shoots 3/600 and it shoots smaller groups than I can hold!
George in NH

My 03AForgery shoots pretty good also. But the 8X scopes are a little easier to shoot with.

[jgaynor]

You did a nice job on both them. What is the purpose of the sleeve on the Unertl Scope?

Regards,
Jim

[collectorm1ca]

Thank you, Jim. And, thanks to all who have replied.

I'm really not sure why the scope is sleeved. I found it and a few other Unertls in a gun shop in South Dakota while driving home from Camp Perry this past summer. The seller only knew it was, "sleeved and the power ring is sealed." Maybe there is wear and/or damage to the tube? The sleeve is stainless so possibly it's to prevent wear, or just allow it to slide better? It really does slide smoothly. I can see why they would seal the power ring to prevent moisture from entering. I'm a member of a Unertl users group and have been intending to ask.

[jmm03]

Mike, very nice work on your rifles,would you care to tell me who you sent them to for the block mounting? I'm thinking of building myself one and would appreciate someones recommendation on a smith with 03 experience. Regards, Jim McGuinness