Model 1903-A3 US rifle by Smith-Corona…………( f 580) SOLD
Created on October 3rd 2016
A good mid-war U.S. 1903-A3 by Smith-Corona
Of standard Second World War US specification for this model. In US government .30-06 calibre, with a five-shot internal magazine. Mauser type bolt system with flag safety to rear. This type of bolt action design features a magazine cut-of system which restricts the rearward travel of the bolt, thus depriving the bolt of the next round in the magazine. When the switch is in the opposite position the bolt travels that little way further rearward which enables it to pick up the next round. The marking on the switch which is positioned at the rear LHS of the action is simply “ON” or “OFF”. This is referring to the device, in effect saying; magazine cut-off is switched “On” (thus restricting the feed) or “OFF” allowing feed. Mixed metallic finishes over parts of the rifle, which is correct for this type of rifle. Many component parts were made in different plants then the end results assembled at the Smith-Corona plant; so finishes were varied. Not all plants that inspected and refurbished rifles automatically refinished them with a heavy green parkerisied finish. This A3 measures 43.1/4″ in length from muzzle to butt-plate. The round barrel is 24″ long and the trigger pull measures 12.5/8″ to center.
Fully stocked in straight grained American Black Walnut the rifle also has a hand-guard over the barrel. It is the mid-war two stock bolt type. There is a good single circled “P” final proof mark just behind the trigger guard, placed over the remains of an earlier similar “P”. Just in front of the trigger guard are traces of the factory inspectors markings and on the butt RHS is a four digit number; “8838.” Interesting because the serial number of the rifle is “3618839.” It can be assumed that this was the last digits of the serial number, but some mix-up has occurred during its years of service – its too close to be a coincidence. On the obverse face of the butt-stock is the final clue to what has happened to this rifle, a neat boxed cartouche which reads, in two lines; “R I A / E B” This is a rebuild mark for the Rock Island Arsenal. On the LHS of the wrist are the feint original marks from when the original rifle left the factory. This appears to be a Remington stock as it shows the following “R.A.” The circled cannons and lastly the remains of a boxed “F.J.A.” cartouche standing for Lt. Col. Frank James Atwood, who inspected new rifles at the Remington plant.
The receiver is marked as follows; “U.S. /SMITH-CORONA /MODEL 03-A3 / 3618839.” This serial number puts production of the receiver in December 1942 (first month of production at Smith-Corona). If one then turns ones attention to the barrel markings it reads as follows: ” S.C. / flaming bomb / 6 – 43.” Those markings are slightly off center as the head space has been taken up. So, was this receiver sitting around in the plant for six months? or did it return by June 1943 for a new barrel ? Both are possible. The bore has a very good four grove RH twist rifling to it. There is no pitting or misting – it is clean and bright with a decent depth to it. All the stock furniture is the correct pressed steel type employed to cut costs and production time.
Easily adjustable sliding aperture sights with windage. Adjustment and hold is positive and smooth in both directions. The front sight is a blade on a ramp with a “C” marking on the RHS of the blade. Correct Smith-Corona trigger guard and magazine plate fitted and not a Remington example. The stock is in good condition but does show some old damage around the wrist, these are only surface markings and will not effect the longevity of the stock; marks like these do however tend to indicate genuine military service.
This is a very close to perfect Smith-Corona example of the US forces Springfield 1903-A3 with an excellent bore and good action. These are the more rare version of the A3 in the collectors eyes. To find this one, once again in good condition with signs of service use is a good thing. Freshly London Proofed in 2016.
Ask for Stock No’ f 580
£ 1175.00 SOLD
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