Smith Corona 1903A3 03-A3 .30-06 Sprg WWII Bolt Action Rifle MFD 1941 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1275

LSB#: 211002NI78

Make: Smith Corona

Model: 1903A3 (03A3)

Serial Number: 3612481

Year of Manufacture: 1941 (page 375 of Joe Poyer’s book, The 1903 Springfield Rifle – 3rd Edition). Barrel Date: November, 1942

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 / 3612481”. The top of the barrel is marked “S C / flaming bomb / 11 41”. 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”. The extractor collar is marked with an encircled “R”. The extractor is marked “S”. The left side of the wrist has a faded “FJA” cartouche. The bottom of the wrist has a circle cartouche (no P). The bottom of the forend has stamped cartouches in front of the magazine.

Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches

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

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece oil stained wood stock has a straight grip, metal nose cap with bayonet lug, stacking loop, two barrel bands, two sling loops, two reinforcing pins, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. There is a small crack on the top of the handguard at the rear. There are some scattered little compressions, dings into the wood, and handling marks. The LOP measures 13 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some oxidation, finish loss, nicks, and scratches. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The 4 groove bore is dark and the rifling is strong but has edge wear. There is erosion scattered throughout the bore. The bore has an M.E. of about 2.00.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 93% of its metal finish. There are a few scuffs and areas of thinning. The edges have thinning. There are a couple of little marks through the finish. The screw heads show use. The markings are well defined. 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 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. This 03A3 has lots of markings on the metal 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 over 80 years old. This is a Nice 03A3 for your collection and will be fun to shoot at the range. Please see our photos and good luck