Smith-Corona Model 03-A3 1903A3 .30-06 Sprg WWII Bolt Action Rifle 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1151
LSB#: 210419MB63
Make: Smith-Corona
Model: 1903-A3 (03-A3)
Serial Number: 4748551
Year of Manufacture: 1943 (see page 375 of Joe Poyer’s book, The 1903 Springfield Rifle, 3rd Edition). Barrel Date: June, 1943
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. / SMITH-CORONA / MODEL 03-A3 / 4748551”. The top of the barrel is marked “SC / flaming bomb / 6 – 43”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “P”. The safety is marked “SAFE READY” and the magazine cutoff is marked “ON OFF”. The bottom of the bolt handle is stamped “1” and has a punch dot, the top has an “X”. The extractor is marked “S”. The front sling loop and rear sling loop base are both marked “R”. The bottom of the grip is marked with a “circled P” proof. The left side of the wrist is marked with faint crossed cannons and “FJA” in a box (Frank J Atwood). The bottom of the stock has stampings in front of the floorplate. There is a front sight protector installed, the left side is marked with a circled “P”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade atop a raised base. There is a front sight protector installed. The rear sight is a fully adjustable aperture sight marked from “2-8” on the top and “0” with hash marks on the rear.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a straight grip, metal nose cap, stacking loop, 2 barrel bands, 2 sling loops, 2 reinforcing bolts, and a metal buttplate with a hinged door for storage. There are some compressions, dings, and light scrapes. The most noticeable marks are on the left side at the front and midsection and above the toe. There is a small gap between the handguard and stock visible towards the chamber. The LOP measures 12 3/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate is shy to the stock. The plate has some finish loss on the edges with a few little scuffs. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The four groove bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion. Our gauge gives us an ME of about 0.7.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 93% of its metal finish. The barrel has a few nicks, scuffs that have thinned the finish, and spots of oil staining. The receiver has a few light handling marks, a couple of spots of frost, and some oil staining. The bottom metal has nicks, scuffs, scratches, and some spots of oxidation. There is a little gauge into the metal on the floorplate that has removed metal. The bolt handle has a few little marks and spots of light surface oxidation. The bolt body has some light wear. One side of the magazine cutoff has been polished bright. The edges have some thinning. The screw heads show light use. The markings are deep except for the “U.S.” on the receiver. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is the front sight protector. It has some scattered light scuffs and oil marks, in about Fine condition.
Our Assessment: This Smith-Corona Model 1903-A3 was made during WWII. This 03A3 has lots of historic markings on the metal and wood and the finish looks great. The markings on the receiver & barrel are deep and are in great shape for a Military service rifle that is almost 80 years old. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion and can do plenty of work at the range. This is a Nice 03A3 for your collection. Please see our photos and good luck!