Input needed, is an even $1k a good price for one of these? My lgs has one and been sitting in his store for about 2years. Picked up a rifle today and asked to see the A4 again. what I noticed it's brand new...but noticed the scope is marked "famous maker" research shows this is one of Gibbs first batches. He told me if I put some money down, he can hold for me. Is it hard to find the newer hi lux replica scope for this? how much? Info appreciated
Gibbs 1903A4
- Thread starter ifit
- Start date
- Status
az_imuth
Member
At that price I think I'd just buy a new one with the latest incarnation of repro scope. New are going for somewhere around $1050-$1100. I may be wrong, but I seem to remember reading about some issues with the earlier scopes. You might check with Centerfire Systems to see if they have any in stock.
I'm interested in getting one of these, also. I have an 03-A3, but would never be able to lay down cash for an original 03-A4.
Best of luck in whatever you choose.
I'm interested in getting one of these, also. I have an 03-A3, but would never be able to lay down cash for an original 03-A4.
Best of luck in whatever you choose.
That would be an *okay* price if the Gibbs was wearing the later make of Repro scope. The first generation version of that scope had problems holding zero, mushy dials, etc. - in other words, sloppy chi-com crap. A quick google will bring up links to boards where users posted their complaints.
Supposedly the current version is better. You could always get the rifle now (before someone else does), and invest in the current repro version later, such as the model the CMP sells.
While my 03A4 isn't a Gibbs, for years amid my stash of unused scopes I had an old Lyman All-American 3x. The reticle has the thin stadia lines for crosshairs with a 2MOA "dot" at the center. You could look around for one of these old Lymans. Sometimes you'll see one in decent condition for sale on a table at a gunshow. Officially, this Lyman wasn't the scope that topped the 03A4s in WW2, but being of the same vintage, it's what they call "period correct" and the CMP has approved it as a permitted scope for the 03A4 if you participate in the Vintage Sniper Match at the Nat' Matches at Camp Perry or similar regional or local club matches under CMP rules.
With a decent scope properly mounted, these rifles are accurate and a hoot to shoot.
Supposedly the current version is better. You could always get the rifle now (before someone else does), and invest in the current repro version later, such as the model the CMP sells.
While my 03A4 isn't a Gibbs, for years amid my stash of unused scopes I had an old Lyman All-American 3x. The reticle has the thin stadia lines for crosshairs with a 2MOA "dot" at the center. You could look around for one of these old Lymans. Sometimes you'll see one in decent condition for sale on a table at a gunshow. Officially, this Lyman wasn't the scope that topped the 03A4s in WW2, but being of the same vintage, it's what they call "period correct" and the CMP has approved it as a permitted scope for the 03A4 if you participate in the Vintage Sniper Match at the Nat' Matches at Camp Perry or similar regional or local club matches under CMP rules.
With a decent scope properly mounted, these rifles are accurate and a hoot to shoot.
Last edited:
I had a Gibbs it was a nice remake. It was nicely finished and accurate. The scope was not fogproof like modern scopes. If you try to remove the scope be careful the rings scratch the tube easily. The rifles at that time were recovered drill rifles. My receiver was hardly noticeable and was perfectly serviceable. In the end I sold it. Sometimes I think about getting another. I had the hi lux scope. They are OK but not as good as an old weaver. I know a guy that has the first gen scope and while it doesnt get used much he is ok with it, but its nothing special. Look at the areas of the receiver where they cut the welds to make sure the receiver fits your expectations. If you dont know research recovered drill rifles.
I've had mine for about 4-5 years now. I got it when they were switching to the "improved" Malcolm optic, and I'm pretty sure mine had one. Over all a nice rifle. The trigger needed some work and I put another couple of coats of linseed oil on the stock.
The scope was decent optically and held zero, but wouldn't track accurately between 300 and 600 yd. zeros. A couple of years ago I replaced it with a vintage Weaver K2.5 with a nice post reticle. The base will accept new Redfield or Leupold 1" rings.
Personally, I'd not get another Malcolm/Hilux unless you want the 3/4 tube for historical accuracy. They are still Chinese in origin.
Laphroaig
The scope was decent optically and held zero, but wouldn't track accurately between 300 and 600 yd. zeros. A couple of years ago I replaced it with a vintage Weaver K2.5 with a nice post reticle. The base will accept new Redfield or Leupold 1" rings.
Personally, I'd not get another Malcolm/Hilux unless you want the 3/4 tube for historical accuracy. They are still Chinese in origin.
Laphroaig
- Status
