U.S. Smith Corona 1903-A3 1903 .30-06 SPRG 23.5″ Bolt Action Rifle 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,300.00
LSB#: LSB260408DC010
Make: Smith Corona
Model: 1903-A3
Serial Number: 4805958
Year of Manufacture: 1944 / C&R
Caliber: .30-06 Sprg.
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “U.S. / SMITH CORONA / MODEL 03-A3 / 4805958” The mag disconnect is marked, “ON / OFF” The barrel is marked, “S.C. / 10 43” with a flaming bomb proof. The safety is marked “READY / SAFE” There are various small proofs throughout. The left side of the stock is marked “FJA” and “OC”.
Barrel Length: 23.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade set on top of a tall base, the rear sight is an adjustable peep sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece walnut stock has a steel cap w/ bayonet lug and stacking loop, barrel band, straight wrist, straight comb, with a checkered steel buttplate, with trapdoor. There is light handling wear. There are scratches and compression marks throughout. There are a couple of deep compression marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12.75” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall this stock is in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized.
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined. There is no erosion. There is light fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates a 8 out of 10
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows handling and storage wear. There are scratches and oxidation throughout. There are a few light nicks throughout. There is light thinning on the muzzle and front sight barrel band. The screw heads range from sharp to tooled with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in about Very Good 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: This rifle comes with a sling.
Our Assessment: The Smith-Corona Typewriter Company Model 1903-A3 is one of the most recognizable American military rifles of the Second World War. Produced under wartime contract alongside rifles manufactured by Remington Arms, the 1903-A3 featured simplified production methods, a receiver-mounted aperture sight, and the proven strength of the Springfield action. Chambered in .30-06 Springfield, the rifle served American forces throughout World War II and remains highly regarded by collectors and shooters for its accuracy and robust construction.
This 1944 Smith-Corona example presents in very good overall condition with strong original finish and desirable military markings. The stock retains clear FJA and ordnance inspection cartouches and remains in very good condition with only scattered handling marks and no structural damage. The bore is bright with defined rifling, no visible erosion, and only light fouling present, earning a solid 8/10 rating. The rifle retains approximately 98% of its original parkerized finish, showing only light handling wear, minor thinning at the muzzle and front sight band, and scattered cosmetic marks. The action functions correctly, and the rifle includes a sling, making it an attractive example of a late-war U.S. service rifle. Altogether, this Smith-Corona 1903-A3 represents a desirable World War II military rifle with strong collector and shooter appeal. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! -N.P