U.S. Smith Corona 03-A3 1903 Bolt Action Rifle In .30-06, 1943 C&R

SOLD FOR: $750

WOA#: WY240318HS002

Make: Smith Corona

Model: 03-A3

Serial Number: 3706271

Year of Manufacture: July 1943

Caliber: .30-06 Spg.

Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine

Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “U.S. SMITH CORONA / MODEL 03-A3 / 3706271” The mag disconnect is marked, “ON / OFF” The barrel is marked, “R. A. / 7 43” with a flaming bomb proof. The safety is marked “READY / SAFE” There are various small proofs throughout.

Barrel Length: 23.5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade set on top of a tall base, the rear sight is an adjustable peephole.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece walnut stock has a steel cap w/ bayonet lug and stacking loop, barrel band, straight wrist, straight comb, with a knurled steel buttplate. There are light pressure dents and scratches throughout.  The LOP measures 12.75”  from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in at about Excellent  overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued/Parkerized.

Finish Originality: Original.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well moderately worn. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 8/10.

Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are light scratches, scuffs, and dings throughout. The action has light wear and drag lines. The screw heads are mostly sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates 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: Cotton Sling.

Our Assessment: The U.S. Smith Corona 03-A3 1903 is a variant of the Springfield 1903 bolt-action rifle that was produced during World War II. Smith Corona, primarily known for its typewriters, was contracted by the U.S. government to manufacture rifles during the war effort. These rifles were based on the Springfield 1903 design, which itself was derived from the Mauser rifle action. The 03-A3 designation indicates that it was an improved version of the original 1903 Springfield rifle. During World War II, the Smith Corona 03-A3 1903 rifles were used by U.S. troops in various theaters of operation. They saw action in Europe, the Pacific, and other theaters, serving as the standard-issue rifle for many infantry units.

After World War II, surplus Smith Corona 03-A3 rifles were often sold off to civilians or stored in military armories. Today, they are prized by collectors and enthusiasts for their historical significance and craftsmanship. Their reliability, accuracy, and role in the Allied victory during World War II have solidified their place in firearms history. -R.E.