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

SOLD FOR: $1275

LSB#: 210419MB68

Make: Smith-Corona

Model: 1903-A3 (03-A3)

Serial Number: 3639210

Year of Manufacture: 1943 (see 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 with Internal Magazine

Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. / SMITH-CORONA / MODEL 03-A3 / 3639210”. The top of the barrel is marked “SC / 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 stamped “8” and the top also has an “X”. The bottom of the grip is marked with a “circled P” proof. The left side of the wrist is stamped with crossed cannons and “FJA” in a box (Frank J Atwood). The left side of the butt is stamped “OG” (Ogden Arsenal repair or refurbishment). The left side of the front sight protector is marked with a circled “S”. The extractor is marked “S”. The bottom of the stock has stampings in front of the floorplate. There are a few more small markings.

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 is a piece of filler wood on the right side under the bolt handle. There are some compressions, dings, and scratches. The most noticeable marks are on the bottom in front of the floorplate, top of the wrist, and left side at the action. There is a small chip loss on the back edge of the handguard on the left side. The LOP measures 13 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some finish loss on the edges with a few little scuffs and a couple minor spots of oxidation. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition as refurbished.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original to Refurbishment

Bore Condition: The four groove bore is dark with pitting and erosion. The rifling is strong. Our gauge gives us an ME of about 2.0.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 93% of its metal finish. The barrel has a few dings, scuffs that have thinned the finish, and spots of oxidation. The receiver has a few light handling marks. The bottom metal has a few little nicks, scuffs, and spots of light surface oxidation. There are some spots of light frost on the back of the safety and bolt. The bolt body has some light wear. The edges have some thinning. The screw heads show light use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good-Very Good 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: None

Our Assessment: This Smith-Corona Model 1903-A3 was made during WWII. Ater WWII it was rebuilt at the Ogden Arsenal in Utah and is marked accordingly on the stock. This 03A3 has lots of historic markings on the metal and wood and the finish looks good. The markings on the receiver & barrel are deep and are in great shape for a Military service rifle that is almost 80 years old. This is a Nice 03A3 for your collection. Please see our photos and good luck!