US Smith Corona 1903-A3 03A3 .30-06 SPRG 24″ Bolt Action Rifle, 1943 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,177.98

LSB#: LSB260803CC003

Make: Smith Corona

Model: 1903-A3

Serial Number: 4802589

Year of Manufacture: 1943 / C&R

Caliber: .30-06 Sprg.

Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine

Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “U.S. SMITH CORONA / MODEL 03-A3 / 4802589” The mag disconnect is marked, “ON / OFF” The barrel is marked, “S.C. / 10 43” with a flaming bomb proof. The safety is marked “READY / SAFE” There are various small proofs throughout. The left side of the buttstock has a boxed “O.G” Ogden Arsenal marking. 

Barrel Length: 24”

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

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece walnut stock has a steel cap w/ bayonet lug and stacking loop, barrel band, scant grip, straight comb, with a checkered steel buttplate with trapdoor. There is light handling wear. There are light scratches and compression marks throughout. There is a chip on the left side of the upper handguard. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 12.75”  from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall this stock is in about Very Good condition. 

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined. There is barely any erosion in the bore and only minor fouling. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates a 8-9 out of 10

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows handling wear. There are scratches throughout. There is light corrosion pitting on the rear upper handguard retainer. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in about Very Good 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: This rifle comes with a canvas sling. 

Our Assessment: The U.S. Model 1903A3 was adopted during World War II as a simplified version of the Model 1903 Springfield, retaining the strong bolt action and .30-06 Springfield chambering while incorporating a receiver-mounted aperture sight and increased use of stamped components to accelerate wartime production. Smith-Corona was one of only two manufacturers to produce the M1903A3, and serial number 4802589 is consistent with late 1943 production. Its Smith-Corona barrel dated 10-43 is an excellent chronological match to the receiver. This rifle has been through through Ogden Arsenal, as evidenced by the boxed “O.G.” stock marking. Many high condition and possibly unissued 03A3’s have been observed having gone through Ogden Arsenal. Those rifles, like this one, are considered pass-through guns and not rebuilt guns. This rifle still shows almost all of its original finish.

Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – N.P