WW2 Smith Corona Springfield M1903A3 .30-06 SPRG Bolt Action Rifle 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,225.00
LSB#: LSB250717RY007
Make: Smith Corona
Model: 1903A3
Serial Number: 3656082
Year of Manufacture: 1943 (The Model 1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations by Joe Poyer)
Barrel Date: 4 – 43.
Caliber: .30-06
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “U.S. / SMITH CORONA / MODEL 03-A3 / 3656082”. The mag disconnect is marked, “ON / OFF” The barrel is marked, “SC / 4-43” with a flaming bomb proof. The safety is marked “READY / SAFE”. The underside of the bolt handle root and the bolt sleeve are marked “R”. The sear is marked with a “BS” for Brown and Sharpe (subcontractor for Remington). The barrel is marked “S.C. / 4-43” with an Ordnance Corps “flaming bomb”.
Barrel Length: 23.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a band slid over the muzzle (Model 1903A3 front sight), the rear sight is an M1903A3 Aperture Rear Sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece walnut “C-type” stock has a steel cap w/ bayonet lug and stacking loop, barrel band with sling swivel, pistol grip, straight comb, with a smooth steel buttplate. The stock has been replaced by CMP. There are just a few tiny scratches throughout. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates an Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the 4-groove rifling is distinct. There is minimal erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9/10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains almost all of its metal refinish. There are just a few light scratches throughout. The action shows no wear and drag lines. The bolt shows a little parkerization over corrosion pitting. The screw heads vary from sharp to moderately tooled with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates an Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: OD Sling.
Our Assessment: The United States Magazine Rifle, Caliber .30, Model of 1903 is often referred to simply as the ‘03 Springfield. The US military never officially referred to it by an arsenal name. It is a huge piece of US military history. It was the rifle that served as the standard-issue firearm for the United States military during World War I and up to World War II. It is one of the best-loved and most written about rifles of all time. Chambered in .30-06 Springfield, the 1903 rifle is characterized by excellent accuracy and reliability. It utilizes a five-round internal box magazine.
After its military service, many surplus 1903 rifles were sold to civilians and became popular among collectors and shooting enthusiasts. Today, the Model 1903 remains highly regarded for its robust construction, accuracy, and historical significance.
This particular rifle is in excellent shape. The 4-groove rifling is distinct. It was made by Smith Corona, a former maker of typewriters. It has a Remington bolt, which is common in Smith Corona receivers.
Please see our photos of this World War II relic. -C.B.
