WWII SMITH CORONA 1903A3 U.S. 03-A3 .30-06 24” Bolt Action Rifle 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,000.00
LSB#: LSB250902JM015
Make: SMITH CORONA
Model: 1903A3 (03-A3)
Serial Number: 4797920
Year of Manufacture: 1943 / C&R (page 375 of Joe Poyer’s book, The Model 1903 Springfield Rifle and its Variations, 3rd Edition).
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 / 4797920”. The mag disconnect is marked, “ON / OFF” The barrel is marked, “SC / 10-43” with a flaming bomb proof. The safety is marked “READY / SAFE”. The left side of the stock, above the trigger, is marked with a “crossed cannons” cartouche and with an inspector cartouche “FJA” in a box. The underside of the stock, below the trigger guard, is marked with a circled P on the front of the grip and is marked with several proof marks in front of the magazine. The marks on the stock are strong.
Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded blade pinned to a band slid over the muzzle (Model 1903 front sight), the rear sight is a M1903A3 Rear Aperture Sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a refinished two piece walnut set with a forend cap/bayonet lug & stacking ring, barrel band w/ sling loop, straight wrist, straight comb, sling loop, and steel buttplate. There are minor scratches and pressure dents throughout along with a few small chips at the through bolt housing. There are no cracks but some of the pressure dings and scratches are deep. The LOP measures 13” inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in Excellent overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued, Parkerized
Finish Originality: Partially Arsenal refinished, Stock refinished separately.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The bolt and safety shows signs of DuLite arsenal refinishing. Aside from that the action shows minor operational wear. The finish on the barrel and receiver are still strong with thinning on the leading edges. The screw heads are strong. The markings on the receiver are strong. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine to Excellent condition for military surplus.
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: Comes with period correct leather sling
Our Assessment: This Smith Corona 1903A3 rifle, produced in 1943, is a fine example of America’s effort to modernize its standard infantry arm early in World War II. Remington began manufacture of Model 1903 rifles in fall 1941. Initially, the new Remington ’03s were very similar to the rifles made at Rock Island Arsenal in the late World War I period. While Remington was struggling with increasing its production rate, the Ordnance Dept. sought other manufacturing sources for new ’03 production. As demand for rifles surged following U.S. entry into the war, several non-firearm manufacturers were tasked with revving up wartime firearm production, Smith Corona being one of those manufacturers. The result was the 1903A3—an updated design that retained the strong Mauser-based action of the original Springfield rifle but featured cost-saving stamped components, a simplified rear peep sight, and Parkerized finish. This example, serial number 4797920, falls within the 1943 wave of wartime production.
The 1903 had a strong reliable action that served the Army for over thirty years in two world wars. Even though large numbers of M1917 “American Enfields” were manufactured and issued during World War I to supplement the supply of M1903s, the “Springfield ’03” remained the standard U.S. military service rifle until the adoption of the semi-automatic M1 “Garand” rifle in 1936. Even after adoption of the M1, however, the ’03 remained the primary American service rifle until production of the Garand could meet the demand. The 1903A3 is an improved version of the 1903 rifle that was introduced in 1942. The most significant change was the switch to a receiver bridge-mounted rear aperture sight.
This Smith Corona Model 1903-A3 was made in October 1943 and It has excellent “U.S.”and manufacturer markings on the receiver. The wood stock has been refinished. We believe that at least some of the metal surfaces have been arsenal refinished. This Smith Corona Model 1903-A3 still has many years left as a great hunting rifle in one of the most popular calibers of all time for North American game or to add to your WWII or Military collection. It also comes with a genuine military leather sling. Please see our pictures for a better understanding of condition and Good luck with your bids!!!
BF
