Smith Corona 1903A3 03-A3 .30-06 Bolt Action Rifle MFD 1943 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1601

LSB#: 210911DJ82

Make: Smith Corona

Model: 1903A3 (03A3)

Serial Number: 3643037

Year of Manufacture: 1943 (page 375 of Joe Poyer’s book, The 1903 Springfield Rifle – 3rd Edition). Barrel Date: February, 1943

Caliber: .30-06 Springfield

Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine

Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. / SMITH-CORONA / MODEL 03-A3 / 3643037”. The top of the Smith Corona barrel is marked “S C / flaming bomb / 2 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 marked “R” for Remington and with a punch. The right rear of the bolt body is also marked “R”. The bottom of the sling is marked “EL INDIO MACHINE WORKS in an oval” and “12 84”.

Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade set atop a raised base. The rear sight is a fully adjustable aperture sight marked from “2-8”.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece oil stained hardwood stock has a pistol grip, metal nose cap with bayonet lug, stacking loop, two barrel bands, two sling loops, two through bolts, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The refinihsed buttplate has small scratches, and pin prick surface erosion showing through the finish. It also shows discoloration and scrapes. The wood shows various scrapes and light scratches. The LOP measures 13 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The grooves near the muzzle are semi bright.  The rifling is deep. There is fouling in the grooves near the muzzle. There is no visible erosion. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.0.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 92% of its metal finish. The metal shows scuffs, light scrapes & handling marks. The metal also shows areas of oil residue and discoloration from oxidation. The front sight shows scrapes & scratches. The bolt and top right edge of the receiver show light thinning from cycling. The screw heads show moderate use. Most of the markings are deep. The “U.S.” stamping on the receiver is faded. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus to 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: The rifle has a leather sling attached. It shows light compression marks on the leather and scrapes on the metal. It is in paint Fine condition. A plastic oiler is stored in the butt. One side contains a pull through thong and the other holds the dripper; no oil. It shows scuffs & scrapes. It is in about Very Good Plus condition.

Our Assessment: This Smith Corona 03A3 was made during WWII. It looks great and has a strong bright bore. The rifle has nice markings that include Smith Corona stampings on the receiver & barrel. This is a nice piece of military history to add to your collection. Good luck.