Smith-Corona Model 03-A3 1903A3 .30-06 WWII Bolt Action Rifle 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1151.99
LSB#: 210506MW24
Make: Smith-Corona
Model: 1903-A3 (03-A3)
Serial Number: 3707334
Year of Manufacture: 1943 (see page 375 of Joe Poyer’s book, The 1903 Springfield Rifle, 3rd Edition). Barrel Date: June, 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 / 3707334”. The top of the barrel is marked “SC / flaming bomb / 6 – 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 a “FJA” in a box cartouche (Frank J Atwood). The bottom of the stock has stampings in front of the floorplate. The back of the bolt handle is electro penciled “8722”. The back of the safety is marked “R” and has a small square.
Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade atop a raised base. 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 pins, and a metal buttplate with a hinged door for storage. There are some compressions, dings, scratches, and scrapes. The most noticeable marks are on the right side of the buttstock, top of the handguard, and left side at the action. The LOP measures 12 3/4″ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has finish loss and has spots of discoloration from previous oxidation and some oxidation. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The four groove bore is mostly bright with some scattered light pitting and light erosion. The rifling is strong. Our gauge gives us an ME of about 1.0.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is some thinning on the metal, some of the most noticeable is on the receiver and on the bolt handle. There are some scattered light marks. The rear of the bolt has some patina and the safety has some pinprick erosion. There are some oil stains on the receiver. There are some scattered little scrapes and scratches, mostly on the base of the front sight. There are some little spots of oxidation on the barrel bands. The bolt body has some light wear. The edges have some thinning. The screw heads show light use. The main markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about 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: The M1903 Springfield rifle is a clip-loaded 5 round magazine-fed bolt-action service rifle. It was adopted as the standard United States military bolt-action rifle in 1903 and served our country through two world wars even after it was “replaced” by the M1 Garand in 1937. It continued to serve as a sniper rifle through the Korean war and into the early days of the Vietnam war. It remains popular as a civilian firearm, historical collector’s piece and also sees use as a military drill rifle. This Smith-Corona Model 1903-A3 was made during WWII and likely saw service. This 03A3 has lots of historic markings on the metal and wood and the finish looks great. 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!