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

SOLD FOR: $1475

LSB#: 210926RS31

Make: Smith Corona

Model: 1903A3 (03A3)

Serial Number: 4749205

Year of Manufacture: 1943 (page 375 of Joe Poyer’s book, The 1903 Springfield Rifle – 3rd Edition). Barrel Date: February, 1944

Caliber: .30-06 Springfield

Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine

Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. / SMITH-CORONA / MODEL 03-A3 / 4749205”. The top of the Smith Corona barrel is marked “S C / flaming bomb / 2 44”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “P”. The safety is marked “SAFE READY” and the magazine cutoff is marked “ON OFF”. The top of the bolt handle is marked “CC” which is a Chrysler Corporation subcontractor mark. They made 03A3 bolts for Remington (page 233 of Joe Poyer’s book, The 1903 Springfield Rifle – 3rd Edition).

Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinned blade set atop a raised base. The rear sight is a fully adjustable aperture sight marked from “2-8”.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece oil stained hardwood stock has a pistol grip, metal nose cap with bayonet lug, stacking loop, two barrel bands, two sling loops, two through bolts, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The buttplate shows scratches, thinning and light surface erosion. The nosecap & barrel bands have been refinished. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Most of the marks are light, but some have damaged small portions of the surface wood. The LOP measures 13 ? inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine overall condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The lands are bright, the grooves are semi bright, and the  rifling is deep. There is fouling in the grooves. There is no visible erosion. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish, as refinished. The metal shows scuffs, light scrapes & handling marks, and light thinning on the leading edges of the metal. The front sight shows small scratches. The metal shows areas of light discoloration from oxidation. The top right edge of the receiver shows some thinning from cycling. The screw heads show use. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition as refinished.

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 03A3 was made during WWII. The rifle has nice Smith Corona markings on the receiver & barrel. This Smith Corona 1903A3 has been refinished so it looks good for a Military rifle that is almost 80 years old. It will add to your Military collection. Good luck.