U.S. Smith-Corona 1903-A3 1903 .30-06 Sprg. 24″ Bolt Action Rifle, 1942 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,115.00
LSB#: LSB260504JG003
Make: Smith-Corona
Model: 1903-A3
Serial Number: 4750235
Year of Manufacture: 1943 / 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 / 4750235” The mag disconnect is marked, “ON / OFF” The barrel is marked, “S C / 7 43” with a flaming bomb proof. The safety is marked “READY / SAFE”. The left side of the stock is marked “FJA” with an ordnance wheel. The bottom of the wrist is marked with the circle “P”. There are various small proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade set on top of a tall base with a protective hood. The rear sight is a fully adjustable 03-A3 peep sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece 03-A3 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 are scratches and pressure dents throughout along with a few minor chips. There are no 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 as refinished.
Type of Finish: Parkerized, DuLite
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is pronounced. There is moderate erosion in the bore along with a few faint spots of pitting. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 7/10
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are light scratches and nicks throughout. The action has faint wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tooled. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in about 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: Original government sale sheet, leather sling.
Our Assessment: The U.S. Model 1903A3 was developed during World War II as a simplified version of the Model 1903 Springfield that could be manufactured more efficiently while retaining the strength, reliability, and accuracy of the original design. Smith-Corona, best known before the war as a typewriter manufacturer, was contracted to produce M1903A3 rifles as American arms production expanded. These rifles incorporated simplified machining, stamped components, and a receiver-mounted aperture sight that provided a longer sight radius and improved practical sight picture. This example was manufactured in 1943 and retains a Smith-Corona barrel dated July 1943, placing the receiver and barrel within the same wartime production period. This rifle remains in Excellent overall condition, retaining approximately 98% of its metal finish. The Parkerized and DuLite surfaces exhibit light scratches, small nicks, and only faint operational wear, while the markings remain clear and the screw heads range from sharp to lightly tooled. The semi-bright bore retains pronounced rifling but displays moderate erosion and several faint areas of pitting, resulting in a 7/10 rating in this writer’s opinion. Its refinished walnut stock and handguard show scratches, pressure dents, and a few minor chips but remain free of cracks, rating in Very Good Plus condition.
Smith-Corona M1903A3 rifles are desirable examples of American wartime industrial mobilization, combining the proven Springfield action with the distinctive production history of a civilian manufacturer converted to military rifle work. This example retains its period Smith-Corona barrel, high remaining metal finish, clear martial markings, leather sling, and original government sale sheet. Although the stock has been refinished and the bore shows moderate wear, the rifle remains an attractive and historically significant representative of World War II M1903A3 production. -R.E.